In August of 1983, Marian Burros published her recipe for a plum torte in the De Gustibus column of the New York Times. It was just one more of the weekly installments that she had been for years.

One could write a treatise on the evolution of plum pudding from medieval kitchens to the present and never run out of information. And I'm sure someone has done it. Recipes for plum pudding abound.

Perhaps one of the first domesticated fruits, the plum is an unsung hero in sweet and savory dishes alike. Jodie Kautzmann is an editor, baker, and confectioner with more than 15 years of experience ...

. Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, candied mixed fruit peels, and soaked nuts lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice and Dark rum in a large bowl and mix well. . Beat butter and sugar in another bowl ...