Plum Crisp

Delight in the delightful flavors of Plum Crisp, a delectable dessert made with fresh plums and topped with a crunchy oat mixture. This light and flavorful alternative to classic fruit pies is a hit among the women in Deidre Kobel’s church group in Boulder, Colorado. With its combination of juicy plums and a nutty oat topping, this crisp promises to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 5 cups sliced fresh plums (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon quick-cooking tapioca
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. With clean hands, work the softened butter into the sugar mixture until well combined. Add chopped walnuts and toss to combine. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the sliced fresh plums, quick-cooking tapioca, lemon juice, and the remaining sugar. Transfer this plum mixture to a greased 9-inch pie plate and let it stand for 15 minutes. Sprinkle the chilled oat topping evenly over the plum mixture.
3. Bake the Plum Crisp at 375° for 40-45 minutes or until the oat topping turns golden brown and the plums become tender. Serve the crisp warm.

YIELD: 8 servings

BAKING TIME: 40-45 minutes (plus standing)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Grease the pie plate generously to prevent the plum mixture from sticking during baking.
• Let the crisp stand for 15 minutes before baking to allow the flavors to meld and the tapioca to thicken.

TIPS:

• Enhance the nutty flavor of the crisp by toasting the walnuts before incorporating them into the oat topping.
• Serve the Plum Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

In conclusion, Plum Crisp is a delightful dessert that celebrates the bountiful flavors of fresh plums and the satisfying crunch of an oat topping. With its lighter profile compared to traditional fruit pies, this delectable treat has won the hearts of the women in Deidre Kobel’s church group in Boulder, Colorado.

The crisp’s oat topping, made with old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, and butter, adds a delightful contrast to the juicy sweetness of the sliced plums. The nutty richness of the chopped walnuts elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

As the Plum Crisp bakes, the fragrant aroma of warm plums and cinnamon fills the air, creating an atmosphere of comfort and anticipation. Once the crisp emerges from the oven with its golden-brown topping and tender plums, it becomes an irresistible sight to behold.

Plums, a popular fruit grown in various U.S. states, bring their natural sweetness and juiciness to this dessert. The addition of quick-cooking tapioca helps to thicken the plum mixture, ensuring a luscious and well-set filling.

For those seeking a healthier option, this Plum Crisp proves to be a delightful choice. Embracing the natural sweetness of plums and the wholesome goodness of oats and nuts, this dessert showcases the beauty of using fresh ingredients to create memorable and satisfying treats.

So, whether you’re serving Plum Crisp to guests or indulging in a comforting treat at home, let this delightful dessert transport you to the orchards of Colorado and beyond, where plums thrive in abundance. As you savor each spoonful, let the crisp’s lightness and freshness remind you of the simple joys found in the goodness of nature.