Desperate Dessert: Baked Couscous Pudding

True story:

I had a dinner party and realized at 4 pm that I had forgotten about dessert (I told you I have been forgetful lately).

Should I rely on one of the guests to bring dessert? More likely someone will bring a wine that I will use in my next beef stew.

I remembered I had always wanted to try a baked couscous pudding that I had seen somewhere, so I would wing it and work with what I had. This was fast and easy.

This was like a rice pudding, only the couscous gave it a nicer texture.

This was amazing warm out of the oven, but I noticed after dinner, the pudding was no longer creamy and warm, but more of a solid mass (rice pudding does the same thing if left to cool), so I served it w/ a nice jar of poached pears in syrup on top of each portion and everyone loved it.

Sometimes good things come out of desperation.



Baked Couscous: (serves 6)

1 cup of dried plain couscous (the small type, not the pearl)
1 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half & half
2 1/4 cup of whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup of golden raisins
nutmeg for the top

In a heavy saucepan, heat up all the ingredients until they come to a nice rolling boil.
Whisk so the couscous doesn't clump together for about a minute.

Pour into a large 6 cup gratin dish or Pyrex bowl (I love this vintage one with the handles) and sprinkle the top with nutmeg. Bake in a 325F oven for 30-35 minutes, until turning golden and firm.

This is best served 20 minutes out of the oven, but I served it 5 hours later with fruit and syrup and it was great.



I hope you try it.

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