There is nothing like the sight of late-summer fruit piled high at the farmstand to inspire one to bake. For this French free-form tart, known as a galette, the plums are arranged over a layer of ground walnuts, sugar and flour, which absorbs the delicious plummy juices and helps keep the pastry crust crisp. Serve with Vanilla Cream or reduced-fat vanilla ice cream.

Makes 12 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 2 hours (including pastry time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate

Essential EatingWell Pie Pastry (recipe follows)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 pounds plums, such as Santa Rosa or Queen Ann (12-16 plums)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar, divided, plus 1 teaspoon for sprinkling
1 tablespoon milk
3 tablespoons plum jam or red currant jelly

1. Prepare Essential EatingWell Pie Pastry; refrigerate as directed.
2. Position oven rack at the lowest level; preheat to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rough circle, about 14 inches in diameter and slightly less than 1/4 inch thick. Drape the dough over the rolling pin and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
4. Spread nuts in a small baking dish and bake until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
5. Meanwhile, quarter plums, discarding pits. Place flour, 1/4 cup sugar and the toasted nuts in a food processor or blender; process until the nuts are finely ground.
6. Spread the nut mixture over the crust, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border around the edge. Arrange plums on their sides in concentric circles over the nut mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Fold the crust border over the plums, pleating as necessary. Brush milk over the rim and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar.
7. Bake the tart for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 375°F and bake for 30 to 40 minutes longer, or until the crust is golden and the juices are bubbling. With a long metal spatula, slide the tart onto a serving platter and let cool. Before serving, heat jam (or jelly) over low heat until melted, then brush over the plums.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 233 calories; 8 g fat (3 g sat, 1 g mono); 28 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 55 mg sodium; 143 mg potassium.

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings

RELATED RECIPES: Essential EatingWell Pie Pastry | Vanilla Cream

This is an excellent dessert to take to a party. It is easy to make, travels well, and looks as good as it tastes.

Anonymous, Boulder, CO