Pour half the batter into the buttered dish. Scatter the Mirabelle plums or damsons on top. (I leave the stones in, but you could de-stone them if you wish. If using cherries or greengages ...

Frozen damsons have an added advantage; they are much easier to stone. See the recipe tip for details. Have on hand sterilised jars, a heatproof pouring jug, a jam funnel and pop two saucers into ...

Spread the damsons over the base of a 2 litre/3½ pint shallow ovenproof dish and sprinkle with the caster sugar. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Sift the flour, baking powder, the 100g/4oz ...