Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival Oregon

4 days ago

Pirjo of the Finlandia Foundation Columbia-Pacific Chapter offers us this tasty recipe for Luumupiirakka / Plum Kuchen. You might want to serve it with whipped cream to be really decadent. If you have a favorite Nordic recipe and are willing to share, please message us.

Fresh Fruit Kuchen / Piirakka

This versatile summer fruit-topped cake/piirakka can be made with apricots, plums, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, pears, nectarines or a combination thereof.

• Have all ingredients at room temperature, 68 to 70 degrees F (20-21 degrees C).
• Position rack in the lower third of the oven.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (178 degrees C).
• Grease and flour a 9x2 inch round pan.

1. Whisk together thoroughly :
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

2. In a large bowl, beat on medium to high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes :
• 8 tablespoons (one stick) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup sugar
Beat into the sugar mixture, one at a time, just until blended :
• 2 large eggs

3. Stir the sugar mixture into the flour mixture just until incorporated.

4. Scrape the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Scatter on top :
• 2 cups sliced peeled peaches or unpeeled nectarines (2 large)
• Instead of peaches or nectarines, I use 3 cups of unpeeled fresh Italian Prune Plums. Slice the plums in half. Press into the dough.

5. Combine and sprinkle over the fruit :
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Cardamom might be good too.
• Optional: Chopped pecans or other nuts.

6. Bake until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake (avoiding the fruit) comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.

7. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

From Joy of Cooking ... See MoreSee Less