If you have the space, time or interest in making the meal, we have the perfect fall menu, courtesy of Emma's Eatery Catering. If not, there's no shame in ordering part or all of your dinner, such as Emma's drop off platters. Meal prep is the most time-intensive part of having people over, so we hereby give you permission to order any or all of the meal. You don't have to actually cook anything for it to be a party. It's about the company and, of course, a beautifully set table.

• Non-stick vegetable oil spray

• 1 ½ cup flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ¾ tsp kosher salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1 ½ cup ricotta

• ½ tsp vanilla

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 4-5 plums

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9”-diameter cake pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

• Whisk eggs, ricotta, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth; fold into dry ingredients just until blended. Then fold in butter. Scrape batter into prepared pan put plums cut side up nestled into the batter.

• Bake cake until golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 50–60 minutes. Let cool at least 20 minutes before unmolding.

HG Cooking Essentials