German Plum Tart

Right now, Italian prunes are plentiful and sweet.  This easy to make tart is a delicious treat and celebrates the arrival of fall.


2 cups of flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 sticks butter, softened, and cut into chunks
2 tsp vanilla extract (don't omit this, it adds wonderful flavor)
1 egg

3 pounds Italian prunes
extra sugar for dusting after the tart is baked

Put the dry ingredients on a flat surface, forming a mound.  Make an indent in the middle and put the egg into it.  Add the vanilla, then the butter, and knead by hand until the dough is well combined and elastic.

Press onto a small cookie sheet or a round cake sheet. 

Pit the prunes and score each half with a sharp knife, careful not to cut through entirely.  Arrange prunes on top of the dough, closely together, to make a nice pattern.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 20 -25 minutes.  Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the top with several spoonfuls of sugar.  Serve warm, a la mode.  It is also excellent the next day.