Fall

Dates Poached in Spiced Wine Spooned over Fresh Ricotta

March 14, 2011
4
2 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

I like not-too-sweet Italian-style desserts. Several years ago, I was at a dinner party in Cambridge where the host made this wonderful dessert of poached dates with Apican spices served over vanilla ice cream. I was besotted. Apician dates are often stuffed with almonds and I've seen many different spice combinations used, but this is the combo I prefer. I also like something a bit lighter than ice cream, and so fresh ricotta has become the perfect vehicle. (Note: boyfriend seems to have eaten the whole batch already, scoundrel!) This makes what I might call a European sized serving of dessert -- just enough little bit of sweetness to satisfy you at the end of a meal =) - student epicure —student epicure

Test Kitchen Notes

This recipe from student epicure packs a deep, rich and complex flavor in a light but elegant dessert. Star anise, cinnamon, fennel and black peppercorns flavor the heavenly wine syrup and poached dates, to be served over creamy but not-too-rich ricotta. This recipe is most likely intended for soft dates like the Medjool variety. I used semisoft Deglet Noor, which took significantly longer to cook, and needed to have their rough, papery skins removed after poaching. I'll be making it again, taking care to use Medjool dates. It is a winning combination and a satisfying end to a fine meal. - AppleAnnie —AppleAnnie

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 20 pitted dates
  • 2 1/2 cups full bodied red wine (I like to use a red Zinfandel)
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole telicherry black peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • fresh ricotta for serving
Directions
  1. Place dates and wine in a small sauce pan. Make a small pouch for the spices. I usually put them in a coffee filter and then fold it over and staple the edges close. Add pouch to the dates and wine and heat over medium heat until gently simmering for ~12 minutes.
  2. Remove dates from wine using a slotted spoon and place in a small serving bowl.
  3. Raise heat to medium/high and begin to reduce the wine. When you reach ~2/3 cup, add sugar and stir to dissolve. Continue reducing until wine has become syrupying and thickens on the back of a spoon (~20 minutes).
  4. Squeeze spice pouch and discard. Pour syrup over dates and stir gently to incorporate.
  5. Spoon ~1/3 cup fresh ricotta into four small dishes and then spoon 4-5 dates plus syrup on top of the ricotta to serve.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • fiveandspice
    fiveandspice
  • student epicure
    student epicure
  • hardlikearmour
    hardlikearmour
  • mrslarkin
    mrslarkin
  • healthierkitchen
    healthierkitchen
student epicure

Recipe by: student epicure

I

7 Reviews

fiveandspice March 17, 2011
This sounds so very yummy. Love it!
 
student E. March 17, 2011
thanks, fiveandspice!
 
student E. March 15, 2011
thanks, everyone! much appreciated =)
 
hardlikearmour March 14, 2011
Really love this.
 
mrslarkin March 14, 2011
This sounds terrific!
 
student E. March 14, 2011
thanks, healthierkitchen! =)
 
healthierkitchen March 14, 2011
Sounds delicious!