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1
In a heatproof bowl, combine the prunes, vanilla bean and fennel seed bag. In a medium saucepan, bring the wine and Armagnac to a boil. Pour over the prunes; let cool. Cover with plastic and let the prunes macerate for 2 days.
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2
Preheat the oven to 375u00b0. Butter a 10-inch springform pan and lightly dust it with sugar. In a medium saucepan, bring the prunes and their soaking liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until a syrup forms, about 25 minutes. Strain the prunes over a bowl; remove the fennel seed bag and squeeze the syrup back into the pan. Remove the vanilla bean; scrape the seeds into the syrup and stir. Reserve 12 plump prunes in the syrup. Finely chop the remaining prunes.
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3
In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer. Pour it into a large bowl. Whisk in the flour and 8 egg yolks, 1 at a time. Stir in the chopped prunes.
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4
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the 1/3 cup of sugar with the salt; beat until the whites are stiff and glossy. Fold one-third of the beaten whites into the prune-egg mixture, then fold in the rest.
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5
Scrape the batter into the pan and bake in the center of the oven for 40 minutes, or until risen and golden brown. Let cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes.
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6
Preheat the oven to 400u00b0. Run a knife around the souffle and remove the ring. Reheat the souffle for 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Slice with a serrated knife and transfer to plates. Drizzle with the Armagnac syrup. Serve warm with the whole prunes and sweetened whipped cream.
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7
Make Ahead: The souffle can be prepared through Step 5 earlier in the day.
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8
Wine Recommendation: This airy dessert needs only the grace note of a concentrated wine with similar flavors. Look for a fortified Pinot Gris such as the 2000 Mendelson from Napa, or try the 2001 Rosenblum Viognier Late Harvest from Lodi, California.
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9
Notes: To total time, add 2 days soaking time.
