To prepare plum filling: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine plum jam, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and cinnamon, and cook until liquid (alternatively, combine in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in a ...

For the past five years, I've spent my late-summer birthday making plum jam. Parties are fun. Cake is good. But all I want is the quiet pleasure of standing over the stove, stirring and staring as the ...