I rarely make desserts at home, so it took a serendipitous alignment of the fates for me to discover Tyler Florence’s sensational over the weekend.
#1. I had just bought a package of dates for the “Mediterranean plates” my husband makes for breakfast every morning. #2. I happen to be flipping through Florence’s new cookbook “Tyler Florence Family Meal” when the page fell open to the pudding photo. And, #3, we had invited friends to dinner on Saturday night.
A half hour before they arrived I figured, What the Hey, and out came the electric mixer and a carton of eggs. Not only is this one of the most scrumptious creations ever, but it was ridiculously easy to make, and damn healthy too (there’s just ¼ cup heavy cream involved….the dates and egg whites create the moisture and richness).
Here's the recipe. But there are so many good-sounding dishes -- Haute Dogs with Tarragon Mustard or Asparagus Risotto with Black Truffle and Poached Egg, anyone? -- you might just want to buy the book. It's available at Amazon.com for $20.
WARM AND CRUSTY DATE PUDDING
Serves 8
6 ounces pitted dates, about 2 cups
3/4 cup water
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
6 large egg whites
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 1 1/2 quart souffle dish with non-stick spray. (I schmeared the dish with butter.)
Put the dates and water in a pot over medium-low heat. Cook and stir for 10 minutes until the dates are very soft. Transfer the softened dates to a food processor and puree until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla, puree again until well-blended. Scoop out the puree into a mixing bowl. Sift together the cocoa powder and flour and add to the date mixture. Fold using a rubber spatula; combine gently until well mixed.
In a mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the date mixture.
Pour the batter into the coated souffle dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake on the middle rack for 25 minutes until the outside is just set. Cool to room temperature. Shake some confectioners' sugar on top and serve.
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