Thank goodness that we had a bountiful plum harvest. I suppose I’ll have to thank the squirrels for that.

Unlike the birds, (actually one very clever mockingbird) who—despite all the netting–managed to get 95% of our blueberry crop, the squirrels were equitable. They gave us a fifty-fifty cut of the plum share–more than enough to make this delicious tart—-and plenty of other plumgood things.

I also picked these beauties just as they were getting that first blush, and allowed them to ripen in a great bowl in my kitchen. This helped keep things fair and balanced (!) with our bushy-tailed friends.
(Blueberries, regrettably, won’t continue to ripen once picked. Birds could care less.)

I enjoyed monitoring the plum ripening process; the colors ranged from light green to red violet. Spectacular.

It’s pretty simple to prepare the plums. I wash and stem them, then toss them whole into a large pot. I add a cup of water, a cup of sugar, turn the heat on low, and allow them to simmer. Over time, the juices come out, the skin dissolves, and the pulp cooks and thickens. You can add more sugar if you like. I start out with a small amount, in case I want to use the mixture in something savory. You can always make it sweeter.

Eventually, you’ll have a batch of cooked plums, with pits that are not difficult to fish out of the pot. It’s thick, tangy, and ready to use for preserves, sauces, or vinaigrettes.

Or, this luscious tart.

I was inspired by a posting on Joy of Cooking foodblog. Joy Ramirez presented an Italian sweet pastry crust recipe that she uses with marmalade—-crostata di marmellata. I thought this could be perfect to use with my plums, although my preserves as filling on their own might be too much. Then, I recalled a cream cheese pie that I used to make. If my preserves were cooked as both base and topping with an almond cream cheese filling, it could be just right.

It’s rich, and a little different, in a good way. I love the look of the plum stripes against the cream; the stripe at the bottom of the tart takes people by surprise. I brought it to a party recently; one of the guests eating a piece said, “This is ridiculous!” In a good way.

Sweet Italian Pastry Crust (makes enough for 2 crusts)
12 T. chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
2 cups all purpose flour
pinch salt
2 T. icy water

In a food processor outfitted with a pastry cutter, pulse together all the ingredients, until it forms a large mass. Divide the dough in half, form into balls, and wrap in plastic. (You may freeze the additional doughball.)

Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. (can be made up ahead the day before.)

Almond Cream Filling
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 t. almond extract

Mix all ingredients until well blended.

1 1/2–2 cups Plum Preserves
1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds

The Assembly

Roll out pie crust and fit over pie or tart pan, pressing and crimping.
Spread about 1 cup of plum preserves over the bottom of the tart.
Add almond cream cheese filling.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. When the top feels set, spoon remaining plum mixture over the top, spreading it so that it covers entirely. Sprinkle with almonds and return the tart
to the oven to cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the tart to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes.

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1. veg head Says:
   July 14th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

   Amazing color,
   that tart looks soooo good.

2. Elizabeth J Says:
   July 15th, 2009 at 10:29 am

   Mmmmmmm. I am definitely going to make this one!

3. Heather Says:
   July 15th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

   Your pictures are absolutely scrumptous! I love the way you put these two ideas together. Bring on the plums!

4. Madeleine Says:
   July 16th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

   I hope you’re getting to eat a delicious tart like this for your birthday! Happy, happy birthday!!

5. mark Says:
   July 16th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

   Well, I get to volunteer with you and have the pleasure of eating your wonderful cooking every Friday. But – why oh why do I never get to taste your wonderful “Good Food Matters” treats. Oh this is cruel and unusual punishment. At least bring me some plums.

   P.S. Happy Birthday to a great chef and friend.

6. joycooks Says:
   July 16th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

   Brava! I love this tart. And thanks for the mention. Betty Buttons and her mamma would be proud.

7. Ruth Says:
   April 19th, 2010 at 7:59 am

   This recipe is great! I work with your daughter, Madeleine, who sent me this link. I made the tart with raspberry preserves instead of plums (they just weren’t available at this time in my area), and it was a huge hit! Thanks!

8. goodfoodmatters Says:
   April 19th, 2010 at 8:05 am

   Hi Ruth—I’m so glad that you enjoyed the recipe and modified it to use what you already had—raspberry would be so delicious in this tart!

9. Good Food Matters » Blog Archive » Baby Shower Buffet Says:
   October 18th, 2012 at 7:13 am

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