I recently returned from Japan where I encountered persimmons hung like jewels on leafless branches of the tree like ornaments. Harvested and strung up in front of Japanese country houses like coral necklaces, this colorful display announces the end of fall and beginning of winter.

That memory (read more here) prompted some late-night baking to create a holiday cake with persimmons and pecans, plus prunes with Armagnac! The result: a travel-inspired treat, great with a cup of matcha.