Cindy Masin, tireless editor and promoter of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society's cookbook, "Yesterday's Mavens, Today's Foodies" asks if I'd make a couple hundred samples of an item from the cookbook. These tidbits, to be given out at the Mercer Island Farmer's Market, emphasize local produce and local cookbook authors. The cookbook is a compilation of family favorites. I have to add that I've made many of the recipes for various promotions and every recipe is a real treat.

Slammed with weddings and other lifecycle events, I leave the decision to Cindy as to what we should make. She suggests the "Italian Plum Shortbread" recipe. I nod in approval; the Italian plum, sometimes called Italian prunes, is underappreciated. Growing up, we had numerous fruit trees in the yard. One, an Italian prune, was always laden with way more fruit than could be consumed by a single family. Another prune tree, at 36th Ave. NE and 62nd, a few houses from where Cleo lives, hangs heavy with prunes. Many scatter the sidewalk below and litter the street. Poor, underappreciated prunes.

I ask Cindy to bring plums/prunes by on Friday afternoon before the Sunday tasting. Inspecting, I empty the box into brown paper bags and roll them closed. 2 days in paper bag darkness will ripen and bring up the flavors. A restful Shabbat later, I won't be disappointed.

Cindy and I start making the bottom crust. Lots of butter signifies that this is serious shortbread. We form the dough into the bottom of large foil pans and refrigerate for Sunday's baking. I have a baby naming on Sunday, also. I'm hoping I can get the tarts into the oven fast enough that I don't have to come to work at 6:00 am.

Following the recipe to the letter; almost ~ I hurry and wash my perfectly ripened prunes. Making quick work of slicing them in half, I opt for a faster option to dipping each cut side into sugar. I put the halves into sugar and toss; much faster. Arranging prunes into 4 large pans, the sugared halves begin to let their juices ooze. Keeping an eye on the ovens as I go about doing my event, sweet and buttery aromas fill the kitchen.

Removing them from the oven, I sprinkle powdered sugar onto the warm tarts. Wowzers, looking good and I can't have any! Cindy and her husband pick them up warm to whisk them off to the Market. I let them go with a bit of longing; an adopted child taken from my arms. No time to bond.

I get the email later in the day; the tarts are a hit. Cookbooks have sold...it's a good day at the Market.

The recipe is submitted by Carol Starin whom I know from her work with the Jewish Education Council. Reading her introduction to the recipe, I nod in agreement. A perfect dessert for yontif this fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butter (1 pound)
• 3/4 sugar plus more tossing with the plums (about another 1/2 cup)
• 4 cups flour
• 6 tablespoons rum (or 3 tablespoons vanilla extract)
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 30 - 40 ripe Italian plums/prunes
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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WSJHS Italian Plum Shortbread