As a neo-impressionist painter, Belgian-born Théo van Rysselberghe’s work embraced the ordered application of pure colour. In the painting Still Life with Plums (1926), created the year of his death, van Rysselberghe abandoned his earlier pointillist technique in favour of broad brushstrokes of vivid colour. Against the muted backdrop of browns and golds, the saturated purple of the plums immediately draws the eye to the centre of the canvas. The compositions of his later years were heavily influenced by the atmospheric qualities of light. van Rysselberghe was adept at establishing warmth and heat through the red/gold tones of his paintings.
Plum Applesauce
Yield: 2 cups
2 granny smith apples
6 plums
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
chopped & toasted walnuts, to serve
Remove the pits from the fruit, cut each apple into 8 wedges and cut the plums in half. Add to a medium-sized pot with the water, sugar and vanilla. Cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the fruit has become soft, gently stir to mash into an applesauce. Carefully remove the apple skins from the sauce. Serve with a scatter of chopped and toasted walnuts and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Will keep for about a week.
10 comments
cha sen says:
Feb 25, 2011
Beautiful painting -and your inspired culinary creation.
Rosa says:
Feb 25, 2011
Plums are my favorite stone fruits! That recipe is wonderful.
Cheers,
Rosa
Julie says:
Feb 25, 2011
I think is my favorite still life so far. The blues and purples draw me in and keep me there. Wow.
Joanne says:
Feb 25, 2011
I can’t wait for the day when plums come back into season so that I can make this! It’s such a vibrant color!
sally says:
Feb 26, 2011
I wish it was stone fruit season here too! If it was, I would certainly make some of this tasty looking plum applesauce.
Heavenly Housewife says:
Feb 26, 2011
What a great apple sauce recipe. I have my own apple trees and make loads of apple sauce every year, so thanks for sharing this unique twist.
Have a great weekend.
*kisses* HH
Big Fan says:
Feb 28, 2011
I love the still life painting, especially the bowl of plums.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul says:
Feb 28, 2011
Beautiful blog! The artwork along with your writing is wonderfully stimulating.
I’m looking forward to getting my hands on some plums and apples so that I can make this sauce.
Jenny says:
Mar 2, 2011
The color of the sauce is stunning. One of my favorite colors. I find I tend to buy most of my clothing in some variation of this color. I’m sure it tastes as good as it looks. I could see trying this with peaches, which are more plentiful here, but I’m sure the color wouldn’t be as nice. Oh well!
@africanrelish says:
Nov 15, 2012
More feasting on art from @mfizell Théo van Rysselberghe – Plum Applesauce http://t.co/YraVz5VE