Whew! Thanks for the reassurance -I was about to scream "what have you done with the real Fraser!".

Years ago flying SAA out of LHR there was a dessert on the F menu called Umm Ali. I asked what it was and the FA said she didn't know but it looked terrible. Undeterred I bravely ordered it anyway. (Actually not brave at all - in F you have so much food I could just have looked at it and sent it away if it hadn't appealed.) But it turned out to be delicious - sort of like a bread and butter pudding with spices (think cinnamon, cardamom etc.).

I'm guessing its an arabic dish, probably middle eastern since the only time that I have encountered it since was in Dubai. This time SO was with me and he was equally smitten by its charms. It can't be difficult to cook and have looked for a recipe to no avail.

Anyone care to post a recipe for Umm Ali?