Italian Plum Torte

This recipe is adapted from Maria Burros. I substituted half of the wheat flour with almond flour and added almond extract. 1/2 all-purpose flour1/2 almond meal1 teaspoon baking powder1 pinch salt1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature3/4 cup sugar2 eggs, at room temperature1 teaspoon almond extract11 Italian prune plums (or any amount of plum halves you can fit in the cake), pitted and halved lengthwisesugar …

Eggplant Parmigiana

This recipe is a lighter version than the traditional one. Instead of flouring and frying the slices of eggplant I roast them in the oven. The dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you are ready to serve it. It can also be reheated with great result. 2½ pounds firm eggplant, peeled …

Crostata di Zucchini (Zucchini Tart)

To make the pasta frolla dough Flour1 1/2 cupsSugar1/4 cupSalt1/2 teaspoonBaking powder1/2 teaspoonButter, unsalted6 tablespoons, cut into 4 piecesEggs1 large, beaten Combine dry ingredients in bowl of food processor and pulse several times to mix. Distribute the pieces of butter evenly over dry ingredients in work bowl. Pulse until very finely powdered. Add beaten eggs and continue …

Insalata Caprese (Caprese Salad)

Serves 4 to 6 2 pounds juicy summer tomatoes (about 4 large heirloom tomatoes), sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced1/4 inch thick 1/4 cup packed fresh basil, washed well and spun dry 3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste On a large platter …

Plum Galette

For the dough 1 ¼ cup All Purpose flour (King Arthur) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 stick cold butter 1/2 cup cold water 2 Tablespoon sugar For the filling 6 ripe plums (about 1 lb.), rinsed and dried 1/4 cup homemade or store bought apricot jam 3 tablespoon sugar To make the dough, mix together the …

Marmellata di Prugne al Forno (Baked Plum Jam)

This is an easy recipe to make at home with impressive results when plums are in season. It doesn't need too much attention and it is practically ready in 1 1/2 hour. I like to serve this jam on toast or as the filling for crostatas or tart.Baked Plum Jam5 pounds plums1 1/2 pounds of …