Plum cake

3/4 cup PLUS 1 or 2 tablespoons sugar

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, sifted

1 tsp baking powder

2 eggs

Pinch salt

3 large plums, pitted and sliced

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1. Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In an electric mixer, cream the 3/4 cup sugar and butter. Add the flour, baking powder, eggs, and salt and beat to mix well. Butter a 9-inch cake pan. Cut a circle of parchment paper the size of the bottom of the pan, butter it, and place in the pan. Place plums in a circular pattern in the pan. Mix the cinnamon with the remaining 1 or 2 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle over the top.

3. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the center tests done with a toothpick. Remove and cool to room temperature or serve warm.

Recipe adapted from Epicurious