This was pretty darn tasty. I usually don't rate a recipe unless I've made it exactly as written, but I think this one was fine as is, but better with some of the recommendations. I started out adding a clove of minced fresh garlic to the onion and leeks. I also sauteed in 1/2 butter and 1/2 Italian olive oil. Using vegetable broth instead of plain water, I added all the fresh veggies I had which was everything called for plus green beans, mushrooms, cauliflower and broccoli. I started the carrots, potatoes and rice first for 15 minutes. I used a short grain rice and put in more than was called for. After the 15 minutes, I started adding in the other veggies in order of most dense to least dense. I used 1/2 and 1/2 instead of heavy cream. After I added the spinach, I turned off the heat and the spinach wilted without further cooking. After it was done, it seemed to be missing something so I added a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up and a teaspoon of dry mustard. This is a hit and it will be one of my "go to" soups this winter. Thanks for the great recipe!

Reviewed On: Oct. 29, 2009

So listen, I'm about to make my fourth batch of this stuff and I bet I've gotten to eat less than a tablespoon of each of the first three batches. I think I like to make it with 1/2 white and 1/2 brown sugar and I think I like to mix my apples 1/2 Granny Smith and 1/2 whatever is handy. I also think I like to add a pinch of Allspice. Notice that I say I think... I never get to eat enough of it to know for sure. I'm making a bigger batch this time and after I run the jars through the canner (don't know why I bother, it never lasts that long), I'm going to hide a couple for ME!

Reviewed On: Aug. 7, 2009

I've got an awful lot of experience with canning and I just could not get this to set up. I was sure the others that couldn't get it to set were doing something wrong, but I didn't have any better luck. I followed the recipe exactly so that's not the issue. I'm wondering if the type of plums makes a difference. The mixture did have a wonderful flavor so I'm sure I'll have great syrup if nothing else. I'm thinking it will be great on home made vanilla ice cream.

Reviewed On: Jun. 25, 2009