Plum Walnut Tart

A rich walnut crust is the perfect complement to the spiced, lemon-kissed plum filling in this lattice-topped tart.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup ground walnuts
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Filling:
1 1/2 pounds plums, pitted and cut in sixths
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons finely ground walnuts
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Lightly sweetened whipped cream for accompaniment (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. For Crust: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter. Add the sugar and mix until smooth. Add egg, egg yolk, walnuts, lemon peel and cinnamon; mix well.
2. Sift together flour and baking powder. Add to eggs and mix to form a smooth dough. Refrigerate until firm, 1 to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
4. Roll half the dough into a circle and fit it into the bottom and sides of pan.
5. For Filling: Mix plums with sugar, flour and walnuts; pour into pastry-lined pan.
6. Roll out remaining dough and cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Arrange them over the top of the tart to make a lattice top. Trim edges.
7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until crust is brown. Turn out of pan when cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
8. Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 8 servings.