Hachiya Persimmon Butter Recipes

HACHIYA PERSIMMON PURéE

Steps:

• Discard dried green or brown calyx from persimmons, then force persimmons 1 at a time through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl using a rubber spatula, pressing hard on solids. (Discard solids.)

SPICED PERSIMMON BUTTER

Steps:

• Place persimmons into a slow cooker; amount should fill a 3-quart cooker nearly to the top. Drizzle the lemon juice over the persimmons, cover the cooker, and cook on High for about 2 hours. Mash the persimmons in the cooker with a potato masher. Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, and agave syrup, set the cooker to Low, and cook uncovered 8 hours or overnight. Stir several times if possible, to prevent burning during the long cooking period.
• In the morning, transfer the persimmon mixture to a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the persimmon butter moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth. If you have an immersion blender, you can puree the persimmon butter right in the cooker if desired.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the persimmon butter into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the jars; persimmon butter will keep for several weeks.

PERSIMMON SUNDAES

Steps:

• Make deep cut in pointed end of each Hachiya persimmon. Spoon pulp from persimmon skin into food processor and puree until smooth. Measure 1 cup persimmon puree.
• Combine pear juice, brown sugar, and butter in heavy small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring until brown sugar dissolves. Boil until syrupy, about 4 minutes. Add 1 cup persimmon puree and stir until heated through (do not boil). Add cardamom to taste. (Persimmon sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm sauce before using.)
• Make sundaes with a scoop each of butter pecan and rum raisin ice cream, some persimmon sauce, and pecans.