Plum Bars

Roadside Attraction

We've been looking for moments of joy lately as we try to balance the overwhelming events of the day. Something as simple as these roses growing wild on the side of the road inspired me today. The bush was a wild and thorny tangle with many flowers already past their prime, shedding petals onto the tarmac but when I wrestled the long stems into the car they filled it with the most delicate and delicious fragrance. On the kitchen table I was able to salvage the many still promising buds into a little bouquet. This morning they greeted me with new blooms. Take heart they said. Here is a simple little recipe for BOLA Plum Bars…easier than pie and just as delicious. First make a quantity of Crumb Topping and freeze it. This is something you should always have on hand to top off muffins, coffeecake, pies or bars. I like to make it by hand on the marble table just as I do pie crust but throwing it all into the Cuisinart will get it done fast. 1# butter 4c flour…substitute some BOLA granola to your liking 1 1/3c sugar 2t. cinnamon Preheat the oven to 350F Prepare the BOLA crust: Grind 1 1/2 c BOLA granola to a fine meal and add 5T cold butter to the Cuisinart. Process until combined and press into an 8x8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze until ready. Mix together 1/4c sugar, 1T flour and a pinch of salt. Set aside. Slice four red plums. I cut them in half first and twist them off the pit. Toss them with the dry ingredients and lay them over the crust. Cover generously with ½ c or more of crumb topping. A couple drops of almond extract or a sprinkle of coconut flakes to top things off. Bake 30-40 minutes. Let cool and slice. We have been so grateful for your support of our fundraising for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Equal Justice Initiative, Bail Project, World Central Kitchen and Simply Smiles. We will continue donating 20% of all orders placed until midnight on July Fourth. Thousands of dollars will go their ongoing work and we hope you will continue to support them after "Independence Day". All photos by Michèle Miller unless otherwise noted