Plum Torte

this is a recipe by marian burros that is all over the internet.

i made this for a luncheon today for a reunion of classmates (4 of us!) and served
it with freshly whipped cream.

while i have not frozen this, everyone says it freezes beautifully.  also, it is
said that this recipe can be made with the substitution of apples, cranberries or
pears.  i'll have to remember to try one of those in the near future.

Plum Torte

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
3/4 c. plus 1 or 2 T. granulated sugar
1 c. unbleached flour, sifted
1 t. baking powder
2 eggs
pinch salt
24 halves pitted Italian plums
1 t. cinnamon, to taste, optional

arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven.  preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
cream the butter and 3/4 c. sugar.  add the flour, baking powder, eggs and salt and beat to mix
well.  spoon the batter into an ungreased 9 inch springform pan.  place the plums on top of the
batter in concentric circle with cut side down.  mix the cinnamon and 1 or 2 T. sugar and sprinkle
over the plums.
bake 40-50 minutes, til a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.  remove from oven and

let cool.