Plum Pie. Mrs. Julia P. Eckhart. Recipe

Plum pie is a delightful and classic dessert that has been enjoyed by many for generations. Its origins can be traced back to early American settlers who brought with them the knowledge of making pies from their European ancestors. Plum pie became particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries when plums were abundant during the summer months.

Fun fact: Did you know that plums are one of the first fruits to be cultivated by humans? They have been grown and enjoyed for thousands of years, with evidence of plum cultivation dating back to ancient China.

Now, let's delve into the delicious recipe for Mrs. Julia P. Eckhart's Plum Pie:

Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 4 cups of Damson plums, pitted and halved
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar

For the batter:
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cold water
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Start by lining a pie pan with the puff pastry. Make sure to press it firmly against the sides and bottom.
3. Arrange the halved Damson plums on top of the puff pastry in a single layer.
4. Sprinkle the plums with ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to your desired level of sweetness.
5. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the plums are soft and slightly caramelized. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes.
6. While the pie is baking, prepare the batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cold water until well combined.
7. Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the egg mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms.
8. Once the pie is partially baked, remove it from the oven and pour the prepared batter evenly over the top of the plums.
9. Return the pie to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the batter is set and lightly browned.
10. Once the pie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Plum pie is best served warm.

Similar recipes:
- If you're looking for a different twist on plum pie, you can try making a Plum and Almond Tart. Simply replace the puff pastry with a sweet shortcrust pastry and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the plums before baking.
- Another delicious option is to make a Plum Crumble. Instead of a pastry crust, you can top the plums with a crumbly mixture made with oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Bake until the plums are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Plum Clafoutis is a traditional French dessert that combines plums with a rich custard-like batter. The plums are arranged in a deep dish and then covered with a sweet batter made from eggs, milk, flour, and sugar. Bake until the batter is set and golden.

Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in experimentation, so feel free to adapt and modify the recipe according to your preferences. Enjoy the delightful flavors of plum pie!