1. Heat an oven to 300 degrees. In a small dish, combine brandy and raisins.

2. In a bowl, combine melted butter, 1 cup sugar, persimmon pure, pecans, nutmeg, clove and vanilla. Mix, then add flour, baking soda and salt and mix again. Add the brandy and raisins.

3. Bring water to a boil in a tea kettle. Using a mixer or hand beater, whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Continue beating while gradually adding remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until glossy, stiff peaks form.

4. Fold this meringue into the persimmon mixture and pour it into a greased 1-quart souffl mold or six to eight 4-ounce ramekins. Place the mold in a high-sided pan, place in the oven and fill the pan half-way with boiling water. Close the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the center of the pudding is springy to the touch.

5. Serve from the mold along with scoops of vanilla ice cream or with whipped cream.

by John Hogan, chef of Park Avenue Cafe, Chicago, Illinois

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