Procedures

1. 1

   Mix flour and sugar. Using a food processor or a pastry blender, cut in margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk, a dash of salt, and a dash of brandy to moisten the crust.

2. 2

   Turn the dough onto a board and knead briefly. (This step is unnecessary with the food processor.)

3. 3

   Place the dough in the center of a 9-inch pie plate and with your fingers pat it thinly into the bottom and sides. Refrigerate.

4. 4

   Filling

5. 5

   Preheat oven to 375 °F.

6. 6

   Mix plum jam with a little brandy and spread on the crust. Place the plums around in a circle so that each overlaps the other and they eventually form a spiral into the center.

7. 7

   Mix the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon rind, and sprinkle over the plums.

8. 8

   Bake about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the plums juicy.

9. 9

   Variation: This pie can be made with apricots, peaches, or blueberries.