Plums are in Season- Italian Plum Tart

As you all know by now, I spend summers on the Italian Riviera. One of the many benefits of living here is that seasons are so apparent by the fruit offered at the local markets. Right now, plums and figs are everywhere. Recently I made a plum tart, but you can also use figs in the same recipe.

Italian Plum Tart (you can substitute figs as well)

Serves 8

Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees

You will need:

For the crust

-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:

In 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.