Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds small plums (15-20), preferably Italian
• 3 bags strong black tea
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 6 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 whole star anise pod
• 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise

Instructions

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. 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. Discard vanilla pod, cardamom, and star anise. Halve plums, remove pits, and return to poaching liquid.
4. DO AHEAD: Plums can be poached 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.