I Promised Plum Tart

Last year, when the plum trees in our backyard started going crazy with fruit, I asked the internets what I should do with the surplus. A friend (Rachel) explained that these weren't just any plums- they are special Italian prune plums! I feel so lucky to have such an abundance of them :-)

Rachel also passed on a family recipe for a simple and ridiculously delicious plum tart, which I couldn't resist. The first time I made one it went from tree to my belly in less than an hour. I vowed to make another one (or two, or three) this year... and finally, the waiting is over! I love this recipe for its simplicity and sheer crowd-pleasing deliciousness.

CRUST
• 1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup flour

TOPPING
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 12 (or so)Italian Plums

Cream butter and sugar together, then add egg yolk and vanilla. Add flour and mix only until blended; do not overwork dough. Chill briefly, then press into pie plate. Cut plums in half and arrange cut side up. Mix dry ingredients of topping together, then add lemon juice and mix. Sprinkle on top of plums. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.

(I made this on a Thursday and it was gone before bedtime. I made another on Friday and it's also gone. It's Saturday now - do I dare make three tarts in three days? Or do I find something else to do with all these plums? Stay tuned ;-)