Who thinks about Persimmons today? Probably not a lot of folks but the Persimmon Fest in Central Illinois at the Christian County Historical Museum sure does draw a crowd from all over the country and then some. Actually the persimmon is a sought after fruit in Asian Countries.
The Lovely and Versitile Persimmon
Persimmons are not ready to eat, at least by local standards, before they have undergone a “killing frost” and we have had one now so the persimmon harvest is coming in, they are being washed, pitted and mashed into a pulp for use in all sorts of tasty dishes including puddings, pies, steamed persimmon pudding, spiced persimmon cake and other baked goods. Darleen Wilson is making 24 persimmon pecan pies for this event. Abraham Lincoln would have loved Darleen’s pies.
Persimmon Bundt with Walnuts
Persimmon Bundt with Walnuts Recipe
These are a take from Food Librarian’s 30 Days of Big Bundts
Grease and flour a bundt cake pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Chop 3 cups of chopped firm Fuyu persimmons. Set aside.
Beat 1/2 cup vegetable margarine with 1/2 cup agave syrup. Add 2 tsp. lime juice, and 1 scraped vanilla bean. Whisk in Egg Replacer for 2 eggs.
Sift together 2 cups cake flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. ground allspice, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 2 tsp. nutmeg. Add wet ingredients and combine well.
Add 1 cup chopped walnuts and 2 tbsp candied chopped ginger. Mix well and
pour into pan. Bake 50- 60 minutes or until toothpick tests clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes. 6 mini bundts or a large bundt.
I added a lemon glaze to one but you don’t need it.
The Persimmon Fest at Christian County Historical Society will be on Saturday and Sunday, November 13 and 14 from 10 AM to 3 PM on both days. There will be demonstrations and persimmon goodies for the tasting. Persimmon Pulp to purchase for use in your favorite persimmon recipes will be available and, there will probably be a persimmon cook book for sale too. Come and stay at our fine inn and enjoy a rare festival in Central Illinois. By the way, the original Christian County Courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law will be open for touring at this site.