Today, it’s undeniable. The maple trees, still green last week, are quickly turning orange. In fact, all of the trees have begun to take on a hint of ochre. Sunlight has starting shining in from the southern-facing windows. Our back yard, having enjoyed full-on sun all summer, is now darkened by shadows most of the day. Autumn is unquestionably my favorite season, but I’m not quite ready to jump in this year. Living in a new place, a not NYC kind of place, has me worried about what the winter’s going to look like. I imagine it will be quiet, probably too quiet, with plans cancelled due to bad weather, and parks and trails abandoned for long stretches. [Read more…]
simplest plum tart
Juicy plums baked in a flaky pastry crust – this simple plum tart is summer eating at its best. Jump to recipe. [Read more…]
it’s been a while
We went to a really nice brunch with friends last week. As it turns out, it was a very good day to be with the friends we love. Among other things, we enjoyed peach and banana bellinis, dark coffee, a frittata, fruit salad, sausage and other meats, and a plum tart.
Inspired by a new variety of plum that popped up at the farmer’s market, the tart was my handiwork. I used the apricot tart recipe and substituted (as suggested) small, sweet plums for the apricots. It was delicious. The plums were a bit more delicate than the apricots, with a nice balance of sweet and tart. What is only hinted at in the photograph, and this is by no means a reflection of the photo’s quality, is the contrast between the deep purple of the skins fading into the greenish gold of the flesh.
realms of the real
Henry Darger kept a journal detailing nothing but the weather for 10 years. This is often held up as an example of his true “outsider” status, but he lived in Chicago and I bet the weather was interesting. I say that in the hopes that you will forgive my own brief weather journal, as we have had both beautiful and dramatic weather for Brooklyn in August. Yesterday, after a clear, gorgeous, decidedly un-August day, we had a brief rain, then a huge rainbow, and then blue skies. Just in time for grilling. To celebrate our good fortune we grilled lamb chops and ate them with a peach, plum, and tomato salad. For dessert I made the Orangette apricot tart. It was a very good dinner.
About that tart — I recommend you check out the recipe. I liked her take on the all butter crust, which involves a splash of vinegar, and I liked the delicate flavors of the tart itself. With just a crust, fruit and sugar, it is summer simplicity at its best.
Now on to the salad. The flavors are really spectacular. The tartness of the plums contrasts with the salty savoriness of the tomatoes. Everything takes on a definite melt in your mouth quality. Also, it’s really, really easy.
Peach, Plum and Tomato Salad
serves 3-4
2 just ripe peaches cored and cut into bite sized pieces
4-5 plums (a mix of variety and/or color is great) cored and cut into bite sized pieces
3 medium tomatoes chopped
1 teaspoon dry balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon minced tarragon
2 tablespoons red onion minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
several dashes each salt and pepper
Prepare the peaches and plums, reserving any leftover juices and place in a large bowl. Prepare the tomatoes, place in a small bowl with a dash or two of salt, and set aside.
Add the diced onion, tarragon, olive oil and balsamic to the reserved juice, and whip with a fork. Set aside for fifteen minutes, then pour half of the dressing onto the peaches and plums.
Just before eating, add the tomatoes to the salad, toss with the remaining dressing, and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with red onion slices and serve.