With plenty that can be prepped ahead, this romantic fuss-free poached plums and granola breakfast is perfect for spoiling your significant other.

SERVES 2 // COOKING TIME 1 hour 30 min

INGREDIENTS
For the poached plums
2 cups sparkling wine
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sugar
1 star anise pod
2 cardamom pods, crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
12 plums
For the granola
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup pecans
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
⅓  cup dried cranberries
½ cup maple syrup
1½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp vanilla essence
75 ml melted coconut oil
For the sweet cream cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla essence
¼ cup icing sugar
2 cups plain yoghurt

METHOD
For the poached plums
1. Add all the ingredients and 1 cup water to a pot over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat and then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the plums to cool.
2. Return the poaching liquid to the stove and simmer for 10 minutes, until syrupy.
For the granola
1. Preheat oven to 150ºC. Line a baking tray.
2. Add ingredients to a food processor with some salt and pulse a few times until mixed.
3. Spread out on the prepared tray and press down slightly.
4. Bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool, then break into chunks.
For the sweet cream cheese
1. Combine the cream cheese, vanilla and icing sugar.
2. Whisk in the yoghurt, ½ cup at a time, until smooth.

Recipe: Chiara Turilli
Styling: Elizabeth Mackenzie
Photograph: Jotham van Tonder // HMimages.co.za

Now that breakfast is covered, what about dinner? We think these strawberry stuffed chicken breasts will make an excellent option.

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