• Cut 800 grams plums in half and remove the stones.
  
• Use a fine grater to grate the zest from the orange.
  
• Put the plums into a large saucepan and add the orange zest.
  
• Juice half the orange and add this juice to the saucepan.
  
• Add 200 grams granulated sugar and heat gently until the sugar has melted and the plums are soft.
  

To thicken the compote (optional)

• If you want the compote to be thicker, then put 2 teaspoons of cornflour and 1 tablespoon of water into a small bowl and mix together.
  
• Put some of the cooked plums and their juice into a small saucepan and add the cornflour and water.
  
• Heat gently, stirring until the juices thicken and start to clear, then add the thickened juice back into the rest of the plums.
  
• Serve warm with custard, on porridge (oatmeal) or cold with Greek yogurt and granola. Plum compote also makes a delicious dessert with cream or ice cream.