Instructions: Comments: A buckle is an old-fashioned American dessert, so named, supposedly, because of the way the center collapses when it is removed from the oven. Replacing some of the flour with cornmeal provides a bittersweet complement to the tart-sweet plums.

For the Topping: In a food processor, pulse together the sugar, flour, salt and butter until the pieces are the size of coarse crumbs.

For the Cornmeal Buckle: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch glass pie plate and set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt.

In another large bowl, beat the 1/4 cup of butter with the sugar and egg until it is fairly light and fluffy. Add half of the milk and beat until smooth. Gradually add the remaining milk while beating.

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until well moistened. It will be the texture of cake batter. Fold in the plum pieces.

Pour the batter into the pie plate and spread evenly. Scatter the topping mixture evenly over the top. Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let stand 20 minutes before serving. (If you serve the buckle the next day, warm it briefly in the microwave before serving.)

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

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