Method

• POACHED PLUMS Cut the plums in half and remove the seeds
• If you would like to remove the skins, lightly score the plum skin to make them easier to remove after poaching
• (I'm lazy, so I left my skins on with no ill effect
• ) In a pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine the tea leaves, vanilla bean, and water and bring to a boil with the lid on
• Poach the plums in the tea for 3-5 minutes until fork-tender, then remove from the poaching liquid
• If you want the poaching liquid to be more of a syrup, simply reduce over high heat until you get the desired consistency
• PANCAKES Warm the milk with the tea and bring to the boil, remove immediately from the heat and cool
• Strain the milk and discard the tea
• Combine spice-infused milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl and whisk thoroughly
• Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt and mix until smooth
• Batter should be thick and fluffy, but if it is too thick and difficult to stir, thin it with a tiny dash of milk
• Oil lightly a medium hot skillet
• Cook the pancakes slowly over medium heat, making sure that your skillet is always well-greased
• Serve pancakes with poached plums