Spicy Plum Chutney

I first tried Spicy Plum Chutney as part of a food pairing at a favorite vineyard in Virginia.  It was on served with some wonderful cheeses.  I loved it so much that I went and bought some at a Virginia local company.  It's quite expensive to purchase.  I did some experimenting and discovered how to make my own.  You have to try this, it goes great with cheese.  It also goes well with grilled pork tenderloin and on grilled chicken.  It couldn't be easier!  For the Chutney you will need:

1 whole star anise

1 whole clove

1 2-inch piece cinnamon stick

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, diced

1/2 tablespoon whole mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pounds plums, pitied and cut into smaller chunks

1.)  In a coffee grinder or a mini chopper, finely grind the star anise, the whole close and the cinnamon stick.

2.)  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, Combine spice mixture, vinegar, sugar, ginger, mustard seeds, and pepper.  Stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves.

3.)  Reduce the heat to low, add the plums.   Cover and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes.  Let it cool, put in a container with a lid and store in your refrigerator for about 1 month.