Pie with jam and dried plums

Plum Jam and Dried Plum Tart

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

What I have for you today is a delightful recipe for a plum jam and dried plum tart, a dessert that combines delicate textures and rich flavors. This tart is not just a simple dish, but a true culinary story that reminds us of the delicious treats lovingly made by our grandparents and the moments spent around the table. Making a tart is a satisfying ritual, and each step is an opportunity to enjoy the cooking process.

Ingredients:

- 100 g butter (make sure it's soft, at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (approximately 80 g)
- 2 eggs
- 350 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g plum jam (choose a high-quality jam, preferably homemade)
- 100 g dried plums (finely chopped)
- Butter for greasing the tart pan

Starting the adventure: Preparing the dough

1. Creating the base: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to mix the ingredients until you get a creamy and smooth mixture. This step is crucial; the butter needs to be soft enough to blend easily with the sugar. Well-beaten cream will give the tart a light texture.

2. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help emulsify the ingredients and provide a richer flavor.

3. Mixing the flour: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This mixture will provide structure and volume to your tart. Once well combined, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter cream bowl, mixing with a spatula or a mixer on low speed. It is essential not to overmix; the dough should be smooth but not excessively worked.

4. Forming the dough: Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal parts. One part will be used for the tart base, and the other for the lattice on top.

Assembling the tart

5. Preparing the pan: Grease a tart pan with butter, ensuring it is well covered to prevent sticking. Then, take one-third of the dough and roll it out to about 5 mm thick. Use a rolling pin and do this on a surface dusted with a little flour to avoid sticking.

6. The tart base: Place the rolled-out dough into the prepared pan, making sure it fits perfectly on the bottom and sides. Use a fork to poke the base of the tart, which will allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Adding the plum jam: Spread the plum jam evenly over the tart base. Choose a jam that has a good consistency to avoid a soggy tart.

8. Dried plums: Sprinkle the finely chopped dried plums over the jam. They not only add an intense flavor and interesting texture but also give a touch of elegance to the dessert.

9. The lattice on top: Use the remaining dough to form a lattice over the filling. You can make thin strips to place in a crisscross pattern, giving the tart a rustic and appealing look.

Baking

10. Preparing the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) before placing the tart inside. Baking is an essential step to achieve a perfectly golden and crispy tart.

11. Baking the tart: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the surface turns golden. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to allow the tart to rise evenly.

Finishing and serving

12. Cooling and decorating: Once the tart is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack. After it has completely cooled, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a decorative effect and a sweet taste.

Serving suggestions: The plum jam and dried plum tart is delicious when served plain, but you can accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this delicacy.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of jams, such as apricot or berry jam, and for a crunchy note, add some chopped nuts to the filling. Additionally, for a more exotic flavor, you can incorporate cinnamon or vanilla into the dough.

Nutritional information: A serving of this tart has approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying choice that is not overly calorie-dense. Dried plums are rich in fiber and vitamins, while the plum jam provides antioxidants, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial.

Frequently asked questions:

- How can I store the tart? The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can gently reheat it before serving to restore its texture.

- Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the proportions.

- What can I use instead of jam? You can use marmalade, fruit preserves, or even melted chocolate for a decadent version.

This plum jam and dried plum tart recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a way to bring tradition and a love for cooking into your kitchen. I encourage you to try it and personalize it to your taste! It can quickly become a family favorite and a staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!