Austrian Sweet Cheese Crepes Baked in Custard

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried currant
• 1 cup boiling water

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup apricot jam
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon lemon, zest of, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 25 Austrian crepes, about
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. 1

   Make filling: In a small heatproof bowl plump currants in boiling-hot water 15 minutes and drain.

2. 2

   Pat currants dry between paper towels.

3. 3

   In a food processor or in a bowl with an electric mixer blend together well cream cheese, jam, yolks, zest, and vanilla.

4. 4

   In a bowl with an electric mixer (beaters cleaned if necessary) beat whites with a pinch of salt until they hold soft peaks.

5. 5

   Add sugar to whites and beat meringue until it holds stiff peaks.

6. 6

   Fold cheese mixture into meringue gently but thoroughly and fold in currants.

7. 7

   Preheat oven to 400F.

8. 8

   and lightly butter a 14-inch-long oval gratin dish or other 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.

9. 9

   Working with 1 crepe at a time, spread 2 generous tablespoons filling on each crepe, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around, and roll up crepes jelly-roll fashion.

10. 10

    With a sharp knife cut crepes on a diagonal in half and arrange, overlapping slightly, in layers in baking dish.

11. 11

    Crepes may be prepared up to this point 4 hours ahead and chilled, covered.

12. 12

    Bring crepes to at room temperature before proceeding.

13. 13

    In a small bowl whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and milk and pour over crepes, letting custard seep between layers.

14. 14

    Bake crepes in middle of oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until puffed and custard is set, and cool to warm.

15. 15

    Dust crepes with confectioners' sugar and serve with apricot caramel sauce.