U.N. Corn Pudding

DEAR SOS: My East Coast sister enjoyed a wonderful luncheon at the delegates’ dining room at the United Nations in New York City. She particularly enjoyed their corn pudding, and here’s hoping you can help.

JAN SLOCUM

Fullerton

DEAR JAN: We often receive requests on behalf of husbands, wives or parents but rarely siblings. What a good sister you are. Louis Piuggi, the executive chef at United Nations Catering/Restaurants Associates, provided this recipe.

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United Nations Corn Pudding

Active Work Time: 20 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 50 minutes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 pound bacon, diced

1 red onion, diced

1 red bell pepper diced

1/2 poblano chile, seeded and diced

6 to 8 ears corn, cooked, kernels removed, about 4 to 5 cups

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Salt, pepper

1 quart whipping cream

6 egg yolks

1 1/2 cups cornmeal

* Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add diced bacon and brown lightly. Add onion, red bell pepper and poblano chile. Cook over low heat, covered, until tender. Add corn kernels and stir until cooked firm. Fold in cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and cool.

* Blend cream, eggs and cornmeal in mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

* Place corn mixture in 2 1/2 quart baking dish and cover with egg-cream mixture. Place in larger dish filled halfway with warm water. Bake at 325 degrees until pudding is firm, about 30 minutes.

6 servings. Each serving: 923 calories; 225 mg sodium; 499 mg cholesterol; 78 grams fat; 48 grams carbohydrates; 13 grams protein; 0.83 gram fiber.

Make a Date With a Shake

DEAR SOS: Date shakes are my husband’s absolute favorite, and I would love to surprise him with one on his 75th birthday.

ALICE WEISS

Whittier

DEAR ALICE: Here’s a recipe that has “Happy Birthday” written all over it.

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Date Shake

Active Work Time: 10 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 10 minutes

1/2 cup chopped dates

1 cup milk

1 cup vanilla ice cream

* Place dates, milk and ice cream in blender or food processor. Blend until mixture is smooth and dates are chopped very fine. To make shake in mixer, chop dates very fine before combining with milk and ice cream.

* To serve, pour into tall glasses.

2 servings. Each serving: 317 calories; 120 mg sodium; 39 mg cholesterol; 10 grams fat; 54 grams carbohydrates; 7 grams protein; 0.98 gram fiber.