Name: Fresh Plum Napoleon
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons sugar; 2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup whole milk, divided; 4 large egg yolks; 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 6 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, room temperature; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 12 ounces small plums (about 5), halved, pitted, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices (about 2 cups); 2 teaspoons grated orange peel; 1 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed; 1 pound small plums (about 6), halved, pitted, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices; Powdered sugar

Image may contain Plant Food Bread Confectionery and Sweets

Fresh Plum NapoleonPornchai Mittongtare

Plum fans take note: The jam recipe here is a stand-alone bonus, especially if that tree in the garden is overloaded. (You can triple the jam recipe below for a yield of two generous cups and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.) Pastry novices should also note that this is one napoleon that holds together beautifully when sliced — so go for it.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Vodka Gochujang Pasta

This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.