Tea-Poached Plums

1. 1

   Using a paring knife, score plums all the way around, starting and ending at stem end and cutting just through the skin (you want to keep plums intact).

2. 2

   Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and let steep about 5 minutes; discard tea bags. Add sugar and bring mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat, add plums, cardamom, and star anise; scrape in vanilla seeds and add pod. Simmer until plums are just tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let plums cool in poaching liquid.

3. 3

   Discard vanilla pod, cardamom, and star anise. Halve plums, remove pits, and return to poaching liquid.

4. 4

   DO AHEAD:

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.