Step 1: Prepare the Plums

Start by selecting ripe, in-season plums. Wash them thoroughly and cut them in half, removing the pit from each one. Depending on the size of your plums, you can leave them in halves or quarter them if you prefer smaller pieces. Place the plums in a large bowl, and drizzle a small amount of neutral oil over them. Toss them gently to coat the plums evenly with the oil. This step will prevent the plums from sticking to the grill and ensure they cook evenly.

Next, add a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a drizzle of honey to the plums. Toss them again to ensure the cinnamon and honey are evenly distributed, creating a sweet, aromatic glaze on the fruit. The honey will help to caramelize the plums when they hit the grill, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting fragrance.

Step 2: Grill the Plums

Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, lightly grease it with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Place the prepared plums on the grill, cut side down. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they develop grill marks and become slightly softened. The plums should be warm and tender but not mushy. Be careful not to overcook them – you want them to retain their shape and texture.

Once the plums are grilled, remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly. The grill marks will add a beautiful charred flavor to the plums, and the honey and cinnamon will have caramelized, making the fruit extra sweet and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone

While the plums are grilling, it’s time to prepare the mascarpone. In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with a splash of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of honey. Stir until the mascarpone becomes smooth and creamy. The honey will add sweetness to the mascarpone, while the vanilla extract will give it a warm, aromatic flavor. Taste the mascarpone and adjust the sweetness as needed, depending on your preferences.

Step 4: Toast the Pine Nuts

In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. The pine nuts are done when they become golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside to cool.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

To serve, place the grilled plums on a small plate or platter. Spoon a generous dollop of the sweetened mascarpone into the center of each plum half. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the mascarpone, adding a nice crunch to each bite. Drizzle the vanilla honey over the top, letting it pool around the plums. Finally, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your grilled plums with mascarpone and pine nuts are now ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately while they’re still warm for the best flavor and texture. The plums should be tender and juicy, with a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy mascarpone. The pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while the vanilla honey ties everything together with its smooth, fragrant sweetness.