Enjoying Summer's Bounty with a Plum Tart

As a relative of peaches and nectarines, plums are just about everywhere this time of year. They are a wonderful fruit that are perfect for tarts, one of my favorite dinner party desserts.

If you can't find plums near you, pick up some fresh figs instead. Figs will start making their appearance on fruit stands this month, and you'll find this tart to be just as exquisite with figs. Enjoy!

Plum Tart

Serves 8

Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees

For the crust, you will need:

- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour- 1 tablespoon sugar + 2 tablespoons sugar

- 4 tablespoons cold butter cut into 1 inch cubes + 1 tablespoon butter

- 1/4 cup olive oil ( I got mine from a local press, 2 blocks away, gotta love Italy)

- pinch salt

- 1/2 cup ice water

To prepare:I

n a Cuisinart or Kitchenaid put in flour, sugar, salt and 4 tablespoons butter + oil. mix on medium speed until it becomes a crumby mixture.Slowly add ice water until the dough pulls together.Place in the fridge and start on the figs.

For the plum filling, you will need:

- Plums or figs

- 3 tablespoon sugar

- 1 tablespoon butter, cubed

To Prepare: 

Slice the plums in half removing the pit, roll out the dough and place into the tart pan, arrange plums on the dough in a fan or row pattern.Sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar + 1 tablespoon cubed butter on top of the plums arrangement.Put into a 400 degree oven for 1 hour, or until the plums are bubbling and crust is browned.Cool and serve.