Recipe Instructions:
8 firm-ripe plums (about 2 inches in diameter)
2 tablespoons raw (turbinado) sugar
1/2 vanilla bean
Ice cream or creme fraiche for serving (optional)
Rinse and dry the plums. Halve them and remove the pits, then slice each into 6 vertical wedges. Put them in a bowl.
Put the sugar in a smaller bowl. Using a sharp paring knife, split the vanilla bean down the center and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds to the sugar and stir with a fork to distribute the vanilla seeds.
Sprinkle the vanilla sugar over the plums and toss gently with your hands to combine. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and spread the plums evenly over the paper. Heat the broiler, with an oven rack positioned about 5 inches from the flame. Broil the plums for a couple of minutes, watching them carefully, until the sugar begins to caramelize. Cool slightly before serving, either on their own or with a scoop of ice cream or creme fraiche.
