Prunes Stuffed With Almonds Recipes

Steps:

• Prepare prunes by cutting them in half making a pocket to stuff them.
• In a food processor mix almonds, powder sugar, egg, lemon juice and cognac until it turns into a paste.
• Roll small balls with the almond paste and fill the prunes.
• Let them dry for an hour.
• Caramel: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring with a wooden spoon just until sugar dissolves. Then bring to a boil without stirring. Continue cooking to a medium to deep amber color.
• Cover stuffed prunes with caramel and let them cool down until harden.

Steps:

• Blanch almonds by placing in bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes. Drain, let cool and rub skins off each almond.
• Stuff each prune with a blanched almond. Place in saucepan and add wine and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes over low heat.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325 degrees. Season short ribs or flanken with salt and pepper. Place a heavy wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the fat or oil and heat until shimmering. Add beef and brown well on both sides. Transfer to a plate.
• Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic and ginger to the pan, and stir until the onions begin to brown, about 3 minutes. Add port and wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
• In a large Dutch oven or heavy braising pan, combine 2 cups of the prunes, 1 cup almonds, and the mushrooms. In a piece of cheesecloth, tie up 1/4 cup of the parsley with the thyme, bay leaf, cinnamon, clove, star anise and orange zest, and add to the pot. Add the meat, the vegetable mixture and enough stock to cover. Place over high heat to bring to a boil, then transfer to the oven. Cook, covered, until the meat is falling off the bones, about 2 1/2 hours. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate overnight or until well chilled.
• Skim the fat, then transfer beef to a large bowl, discarding any loose bones. Discard the cheesecloth packet, and transfer remaining broth and vegetables to a food processor. Purée, then return to a clean pan. Add meat and remaining 2 cups whole prunes. Place over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until gently reheated. Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup parsley and 1/4 cup almonds.