Poached Plums

Directions

1. 1
   Stir sugar and water together in a 2 1/2-quart souffle dish.
2. 2
   Add cinnamon stick.
3. 3
   Cook, uncovered, at 100 percent in a high-power oven for 3 minutes.
4. 4
   Stir thoroughly, making sure there are no grains on the bottom of the dish.
5. 5
   Cover with a lid or microwave plastic wrap.
6. 6
   Cook for 6 minutes.
7. 7
   Prick plastic, if used, to release steam.
8. 8
   Remove from oven and uncover.
9. 9
   Stir in lemon zest and vanilla bean.
10. 10
    Add plums.
11. 11
    Cook, covered, at 100 percent power in a high-power oven for 8 minutes.
12. 12
    Remove from oven and uncover.
13. 13
    Let cool.
14. 14
    Remove vanilla bean and store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.
15. 15
    Serve chilled, in a bowl, with some of the syrup.