Kuchen (pronounced koo-ken or koo-gen) is a German word that means cake and is usually made with a sweet dough and often includes fruit or custard such as this plum recipe. Traditional kuchen is like a delicious mashup of cake and pie. I learned how to make kuchen in my early 20’s from my friend Margy and I have been making it ever since, especially during late summer when plums come into season (Margy made kuchen with peaches, but I substituted plums which I prefer for their tartness.) Kuchen can be topped with crème fraiche, vanilla ice cream, plain yogurt ,or my favorite, cinnamon whipped cream. And always remember: sweet baked goods are considered one of the four food groups.
How to Forage Plums in New Mexico
Patience is going to be your key when it comes to plum season. Wild plums are usually ripe in late summer to early fall. To find them, look in areas with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Sometimes you’ll find them along streams, ponds, woodlands, or in thickets of brush. When foraging, seek out plump, vibrant red or yellow fruits that come away easily with a slight touch. Remember, if you have to tug, they’re likely not fully ripe yet.
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Plum Kuchen
Description
Delicate plums mix with a sweet handmade dough.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup flour
- Pinch of baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cream or milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8–9 Italian plums
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix together all the ingredients (except plums).
- Pat the mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate.
- Slice plums into halves, remove pits.
- Place plum halves, round side up, on top of the dough mixture.
- Bake for one hour.
Recipe by Cyndy Tanner
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