Active Time

　　20 min

　　Total Time

　　50 min

　　Pouding Chômeur

　　This dessert shows the English influence on Quebec cooking. "Unemployed man's pudding" is made from ingredients that are inexpensive and abundant in the area. You'll find it on the menu at diners and cafßs all over Montreal.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　1 1/4 cups pure maple syrup (amber or Grade B)

　　3/4 cup heavy cream

　　2 teaspoons cider vinegar

　　Pinch of salt

　　3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

　　1/3 cup sugar

　　1 large egg

　　1/2 teaspoon vanilla

　　1 cup cake flour (not self-rising)

　　1 teaspoon baking powder

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　

Special Equipment

an 8-inch square glass baking dish (2 inches deep)

　　

Step 1

Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 350°F.

　　

Step 2

Stir together maple syrup, heavy cream, cider vinegar, and pinch of salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

　　

Step 3

Beat together butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add egg and vanilla, then beat until just combined (batter will be very thick).

　　

Step 4

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together into egg mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined.

　　

Step 5

Pour 1/3 cup syrup mixture into baking dish. Divide batter in bowl into 6 mounds with rubber spatula and spoon each mound onto syrup mixture in baking dish, spacing mounds evenly. Pour remaining syrup mixture over and around mounds.

　　

Step 6

Bake until topping is golden and firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm, with crème fraîche or sour cream if desired.