Plum Kuchen

Ingredients:

1 ½ c flour

1/3 c sugar

1 stick of butter (room temperature)

1 farm fresh egg

1/3-1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

8-10 Alstede Fresh European Plums

Place the butter into a large bowl, add the sugar.  Mix in the egg and stir in the flour. Set dough aside to rest about 20 minutes.  Flour your hands, press the dough onto a greased cookie sheet or greased 9” spring form pan.  Sprinkle the dough with a thin layer of plain breadcrumbs that will help to absorb juices. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Prepare the Plums

1 – 1 ½ lbs. (8-10) European Plums (Italian Prune Plums) from Alstede Farms.

Pitted and cut into quarters scoring the edges of the plum pieces.  

Place the plums over the dough evenly.

Topping

2 eggs, 3 Tablespoons of sugar, 1 c half & half or cream

Chopped almonds or cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Beat the eggs with the sugar, whisk in the cream and pour over the plums.  Top with chopped almonds or cinnamon and sugar.

Optional: eliminate the topping and just sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar, chopped almonds.

Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, check.  Inga says it can take up to 45 minutes. Edges should be golden brown. Note: A sheet cake on a cookie sheet will take less time than in a springform pan.  Inga has also prepared this recipe in a pie plate so make it your own!

Farm Kitchen Tip: This recipe was sent to me this week from a CSA member and dear friend of our farm, Inga Maximoff. It is an old family favorite cherished by all who have tried it.

Jenn Borealo, Culinary & Education Specialist at Alstede Farms.