Damson Tartlets

Name: Damson Tartlets
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 hr
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 sticks (1/2 pound) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 cup confectioners sugar; 3 large egg yolks; 1 pound damson plums or prune plums; 1 3/4 cups sugar; 2 tablespoons white wine; 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest; Equipment: 6 (4-inch) fluted tartlet pans

By Oliver Rowe

August 24, 2007

This pastry recipe was one of those rare revelations that send shock waves through our test kitchens: How utterly brilliant to make extra dough, freeze it, and then just grate it directly into the pans when you need it! Rowe makes these adorable little tarts with damson plums, but we've found that prune plums work just as well. Although the pastry and compote make enough for twice this many tarts, they keep beautifully and they are so good you will be glad to have extra on hand.

Cooks' notes:

• If you can't find damson or prune plums, substitute the slightly sweeter red or black plums and use 2 tablespoons lemon juice in place of wine (for greater acidity).
• Four-inch fluted tartlet pans are available at Bridge Kitchenware (212-688-4220; bridgekitchenware.com).
• Pastry can be frozen up to 1 month.
• Compote keeps, covered and chilled, 2 weeks.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.