Prunes in Wine with Toasted-Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pound pitted prunes
• 2 cups ruby Port
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split
• Accompaniments: toasted-almond cookies ; crème fraîche, sour cream, or ice cream

Directions

1. Stir together all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, then simmer, uncovered, gently stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, about 25 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and cool until barely warm or room temperature. Discard vanilla bean.