Plum Torte

We have a few plum trees that grow in our backyard, and it has been in full bloom with a ton of sweet fruit. My daughter is my little gardener, she loves to prune the roses and pick all the fruit. So she went out and picked me so many plums I didn't know what to do with! It seems we're growing a few different kinds, some deeper purple and some more golden inside. I decided to see what I could make with these, as there's only so many times we'll eat them raw.

I've been under some stress lately, and baking is the ultimate way for me to relieve stress. Something about getting in the kitchen with my own thoughts while mixing together something sweet... it always does the trick for me.

Needless to say, everyone loved this. Even the ones in my family not particularly partial to plums!
Depending on the season, you can trade out other fruit with this and play around with the recipe. Enjoy!

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teasoon salt
• 4-5 larger plums, cut into quarters and pitted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:
Grease and flour an 8 inch springform pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream one cup sugar and butter together, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
Mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl (flour, baking powder, salt), then fold into wet batter until just mixed.
Spoon the batter into the greased springform pan, and spread evenly.
Place quartered plums on top of batter, skin side up.

Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Adjusting amount to the tartness of the plums.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until done.
Unspring pan, and serve.

This is delicious served with vanilla ice cream while still warm from the oven.