Ukrainian Plum Butter Recipes

LATE SUMMER PLUM CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. (Alternatively, the cake may be made in a 9-inch cake pan or pie pan and served directly from the pan.)
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat on low speed until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat on low speed until smooth. (Note: the batter will be quite thick.)
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Arrange the plums on top, skin side up, in a circular pattern so that they mostly cover the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the plums.
• Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until golden on top and set in the center.
• When the cake is hot out of the oven, run a knife around the edges of the pan and then remove the springform edge, leaving the base in place (if using a springform pan). Let the cake cool on a rack completely. Slice and serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
• Note: This cake keeps well, loosely covered at room temperature, for several days.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.

UKRAINIAN OLD FASHIONED PLUM YEAST VARENYKY (PEROGIES)

Steps:

• Dissolve the sugar and ginger in the lukewarm water, and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it stand for 10 minutes. Combine the yeast with the lukewarm milk, eggs, and salt. Stir in the flour, and knead it until smooth. The dough should be soft. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until double in bulk.
• Cut the dough into 2 parts for easier handling. Roll each part into a long roll about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Cut the roll into 1/2 inch pieces. Flatten each piece and wrap it around a plum filled with sugar and cinnamon. Seal the edges securely. Place them on a floured board, cover, and let them rise.
• Drop a few varenyky at a time into rapidly boiling salted water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon. When the varenyky rise to the top, cook them for about 2 minutes by rapid boiling.
• Remove them with a perforated spoon to a colander and drain well. Do not overcook because this dough has a tendency to become somewhat firm.
• Place the varenyky in a serving dish, sprinkle generously with melted butter, and toss lightly to coat them evenly. Serve hot with a sprinkling of sugar and browned buttered bread crumbs, or sour cream.

UKRAINIAN PLUM BUTTER

Steps:

• Coat the inside of a large saucepan with the melted butter. Then put in the plums and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a large wooden spoon, for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft.
• Put the plums through a strainer or food mill, clean the saucepan, and return the plum pulp to it. Stirring all the time, cook over low heat until the pulp is very thick and dark. Stir in the grated peel, if using, and the sugar. Put the butter into jars, cover and process. To make about 7 pints.

UKRAINIAN APPLE CAKE (YABLUCHNYK)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly butter an 8 inch square baking dish.
• Sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir together the egg with the cream and gently mix into the flour until a soft dough has formed. Press into prepared baking dish. Layer the apples into the dish overlapping, in neat rows. Prepare streusel by mixing the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
• Bake in preheated oven until apples have softened, and topping has browned, about 25 minutes.