
This elegant and nostalgic dessert, likely originating from early 20th-century hotel menus like the one at the Palmer House in Chicago, features a creamy custard base enriched with eggs and vanilla, stabilized with gelatin, and studded with crushed macaroons. The contrast of silky custard and chewy coconut cookies creates a luxurious texture, perfect for formal dinners or refined comfort at home. Its subtle sweetness and layered preparation reflect a bygone era of sophisticated desserts served chilled with or without cream.
Ingredients
- 1 pint milk (2 cups)
- 1 tbsp plain unflavored gelatin (1 package)
- 4 eggs (separated)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1-1½ cups Macaroons (crushed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Milk and Gelatin
- In a double boiler, heat milk and gelatin together until hot and gelatin dissolves completely.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and add them to the hot milk mixture along with the sugar. Stir constantly.
Step 3: Thicken and Remove from Heat
- Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken slightly. Then remove from heat.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Whipped Whites
- Add a pinch of salt, the stiffly beaten egg whites, and the vanilla extract to the warm custard. Gently fold to combine.
Step 5: Add Macaroons and Chill
- Crush macaroons and stir them into the warm mixture. Pour the pudding into a dish or mold. Let cool completely and refrigerate until set.
Tips
- Use fine macaroon crumbs for a smoother texture
- Serve chilled for best flavor and firmness
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth
- Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Substitute half-and-half for richer pudding
- Bake in individual ramekins for elegant serving
- Stir custard constantly to prevent curdling
- Let pudding fully cool before unmolding
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 420IUCalcium: 180mgIron: 1.2mg
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