Kaiserschmarren

Ingredients

• 4 egg yolks
• 4 1/2 ounces sugar
• 8 ounces creme fraiche
• 1 ounce dark rum
• 4 teaspoons flour
• 2 tablespoons plumped golden raisins
• Soft unsalted butter, for brushing
• Sugar, for coating
• 3 egg whites
• 1 recipe Strawberry Sauce, recipe follows
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled, cut in halves

Directions

Prepare the "kaiser" base. In the mixer bowl, combine the egg yolks and 3 ounces of sugar. Mix over medium speed, with the wire whisk, until pale yellow. Add the creme fraiche and rum. Continue to mix until smooth. Fold in the flour and raisins. This can be prepared up to 1 day in advance.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Brush 4 (6-inch) saute pans with butter and sprinkle with sugar. To make the Kaiserschmarren, in a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Add the remaining 1 1/2 ounces of sugar and continue to whip until stiff but not dry. Fold the meringue into the "kaiser" base. Spoon the souffled mixture into 4 pans. Bake for 12 minutes.

To serve, in a medium saute pan, reheat the Strawberry Sauce. Add the fresh strawberries and toss until well coated. Serve over the Kaiserschmarren.

Strawberry Sauce:

• 1/2 pound strawberries, hulled
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 whole star anise
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 orange, juiced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover with plastic wrap. Allow flavor to infuse for 10 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to a blender and process until well incorporated. Strain. This can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Yield: about 1 1/2 cups