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Prunes Stuffed with Walnuts in Orange Juice

We used to soak the prunes overnight in tea to make pitting easier. Now pitted ones are available, but stuffing them still takes time. I watch television or listen to music while I do this. I prefer the dessert without the cream topping. Either way, it keeps very well for days.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6-8

Ingredients

1 pound pitted prunes (the moist California or French type)
1 1/4 cups walnut halves
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

For the Optional Topping or Accompaniment

1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon rose or orange-blossom water

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the hole in each prune a little wider with your finger and stuff each with a walnut half. Put them in a pan, cover with orange juice, and simmer over low heat for 20–30 minutes, or until they are soft, adding a little water if they become too dry. Serve chilled as they are, or with the topping.

    Step 2

    For the optional topping, whip the cream until it thickens, and add sugar and rose water. Pour all over the prunes and chill together before serving, or pass round in a bowl for people to help themselves.

  2. Variation

    Step 3

    Instead of orange juice, use a half-and-half mixture of water and red wine. This was done in Jewish households.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright © 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
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