SPICED NECTARINE CAKE

This can also be made with white nectarines, or about six large plums
or pluots. It's great with ice cream or whipped cream.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
1 1/4 cups self-rising flour
5 medium nectarines (about 1 3/4 pounds), halved, each half cut into 4
slices
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350=B0F. Generously butter 9-inch-diameter springform
pan. Using electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup butter in large bowl until
fluffy. Add 3/4 cup sugar and beat until blended. Beat in eggs 1 at a
time, then lemon juice and lemon peel. Beat in flour until smooth.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Arrange enough nectarine slices atop batter in concentric circles to
cover completely; press lightly to adhere. Mix cinnamon and remaining 3
tablespoons sugar in small bowl. Sprinkle over cake.

Bake until cake is golden brown and tester inserted into center comes
out clean, about 1 hour (50 minutes for plums or pluots). Cut around
cake to loosen; remove pan sides. Serve cake slightly warm or at room
temperature.

Makes 8 servings.