Ingredients
1 cup pitted dried plums (prunes), coarsely chopped3/4 cup water2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup sugar, divided 2 tablespoons shortening1 large egg, room temperature2 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons coarse sugar
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dried plums, water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat; let stand until plumped, about 10 minutes. Drain plums, reserving fruit and liquid. Measure liquid, adding enough water to yield 1/2 cup.
Cream shortening and remaining sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with reserved cooking liquid; fold in cooled dried plums (batter will be thick).
Transfer batter to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 40-45 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
