Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the plums, brown sugar, brandy, grated apple, cornstarch and cinnamon.  Spoon the mixture into a 9" or 10" cast iron skillet.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt and granulated sugar.  Add the butter and using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.  Add the cream and stir with a fork just until moistened.  Gently press the mixture together using a spatula, forming a loose dough.  Crumble the dough on top of the plum mixture.  Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar.

Step 4

Bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 45 minutes.  Serve warm topped with ice cream if desired.