Plum Pie

Plum Pie: A Delightful and Aromatic Treat

Preparation Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Plum pie is a traditional dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia and flavor to any meal. The sweet-tart taste of plums, embraced by a fluffy dough and a smooth cream, makes this recipe a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a celebration, or simply a treat after a long day.

Ingredients:

*For the Dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g melted butter
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Zest of one lemon
- Vanilla (or vanilla essence)
- Salt, a pinch

*For the Filling:*
- 1 kg plums (preferably well-ripened)
- About 3 tablespoons semolina

*For the Topping Cream:*
- 3 eggs
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 300 ml thick sour cream
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Flavors (lemon zest, vanilla)

Step by Step: Preparing the Plum Pie

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, sift the flour, add the sugar, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (not hot) and let it activate for 10 minutes.

2. Kneading the Dough:
Once the yeast is activated, add it to the flour mixture. Add the egg yolks and start kneading the dough. This process is essential for achieving a fluffy texture. Knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Adding the Butter:
Finally, add the melted butter (but warm, not hot) and continue kneading a little, then let the dough rest. Shape the dough like a loaf, forming a rectangle, and then place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for 30-40 minutes in a warm place.

4. Preparing the Plums:
In the meantime, prepare the plums. Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. It is important to choose ripe plums to achieve a sweet and juicy flavor.

5. Assembling the Pie:
After the dough has risen, roll it out in a large (preferably round, 42 cm in diameter) greased baking dish. Roll the dough to about 0.5 cm thickness. Place the plums cut side up evenly across the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the semolina over the plums to absorb their juice.

6. Preparing the Cream:
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the powdered sugar until frothy. Add the sour cream, cinnamon, and flavors. Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg whites with a spatula to retain the air.

7. Baking the Pie:
Pour the cream over the plums, smoothing it out well. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pie for about 45 minutes, or until golden and a beautiful crust forms on top.

8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the pie cool completely in the pan. Then cut into squares and serve. It is delicious both warm and cold, and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it becomes a true delight!

Practical Tips:
- You can use canned plums, but make sure to drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
- For an extra flavor, you can add some chopped nuts or almonds to the topping cream.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and dough.

Nutritional Benefits:
Plum pie is a good source of antioxidants due to the plums. They are rich in fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals, which contribute to healthy digestion and strengthen the immune system. Whole flour, if used, can add even more fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Yes, you can experiment with apples, apricots, or peaches, each offering a unique flavor.

- How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze it for later consumption, but it is recommended to freeze it without the cream.

- What can I serve with the pie?
It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce, but also with a fruit tea or a sweet wine for a refined culinary experience.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to get to work! Whether it’s an ordinary day or a special occasion, plum pie will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every step of cooking and let your creativity shine!

 Ingredients: Dough: -500 g flour -2 egg yolks -50 g sugar -50 g butter -25 g yeast -lemon zest, vanilla, -salt, pinch between 2 fingersOver the dough:-1 kg plums -about 3 tablespoons of semolinaCream: -3 eggs -150 g powdered sugar -300 ml thick sour cream -cinnamon (to taste) -flavors (lemon zest, vanilla)