| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 11g | 5g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 6g | 7g | 0.32g |
There’s something uniquely comforting about a freshly baked dish born straight from the oven, especially one that melds the sweet, earthy taste of Asian persimmons with the rich, tangy sensation of cheddar cheese. Allow me to introduce my go-to dish – Baked Kukas with Cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors guaranteed to bring an exotic twist to your dining table.
A Family Legacy with a Twist
Just like the beloved apple pies my Irish Nana used to make, this recipe is perfect for creating cherished memories with family. It’s adapted from those afternoons in her cozy kitchen, but with a special twist. I’ve swapped traditional apples for ripe kukas, a wonderful fruit that originally hails from Asia, but is now found worldwide. Its rich sweetness perfectly complements the sharp, creamy goodness of melted cheese, creating a dish that dances on the palate and warms the heart.
A Slice of Health in Every Bite
Not only is this dish delightfully luscious, it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. The persimmons
What sets this dessert apart is its subtlety in sweetness, thanks to the natural sugars in the kukas and just a touch from the additional sugar. This marks a healthier alternative from the highly processed, rich desserts common in many recipe books.
Pairing Suggestions and Similar Creations
The Baked Kukas with Cheese is great as a standalone treat, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or even a glass of dry white wine. For a fuller meal, it makes for a sweet and satisfying end to a savory New England clam chowder – a nod to my Bostonian roots.
If you’d like to experiment further with this fruity, cheesy wonder, consider using it as a blueprint for culinary creations of your own. Swap the kukas for other fruits; peaches, pears, or even berries can work delightfully well. Change up the cheeses to introduce new, intricate flavors.
Food, to me, is about joy, community and creative expression – and that’s precisely what the Baked Kukas with Cheese brings to my family’s table. I hope it does the same for you.
What You’ll Need
- 6 ripe kukas (Asian persimmons)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of water
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Wash the kukas thoroughly and cut off the tops, then use a spoon to hollow out the inside. Save the flesh for later use.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon juice, and water. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the saved kuka flesh and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes until it forms a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step Three
Place the hollowed-out kukas in a baking dish. Spoon the cooled syrupy mixture into each kuka, filling them about 2/3 full.
Step Four
Top each kuka with a slice of cheddar cheese. Combining the crushed graham crackers with the ground cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture on top of the cheese.
Step Five
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the graham cracker topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for a bit before serving.
