Bread Pudding 01/20/2010
 Blustery winter seems to blend scrumptiously beside Bread Pudding as if the two were irrevocably meant for each other. Then topped with white tufts of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar, how could this not be reminiscent of a snowy wonderland? And this particular recipe is so easy...all done in a crockpot. Bread Pudding happens to be my children's favorite dessert...and my favorite breakfast. Yes, I did say breakfast!....think gorgeous gooey french toast. Better watch out...you'll get hooked! Just like me!  We had friends over for dessert a couple of weeks ago...none of whom had ever experienced bread pudding before...and were somewhat hesitant about it...although they would never admit to such. Undaunted, I mercilessly 'inflicted' my version of Bread Pudding upon them...and now they're begging me for the recipe...which, of course, I knew they would. So here it is: English Bread Pudding: 16 slices day-old, firm-textured white bread (1 small loaf) [note: combination of homemade bread as well as whole wheat bread is delicious] 1 1/3 cups milk 1 pkg. (8 oz.) mixed dried fruit, cut into small pieces [note: I use dried cranberries] 1 med. apple [I always add more apple], cored and chopped 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 t. ground cinnamon [I add more] 1/4 t. ground nutmeg 1/4 t. ground cloves Tear bread, with crusts, into 1- to 2-inch pieces. Place in slow cooker. Pour milk over bread; let soak 30 minutes. Stir in dried fruit, apple and nuts. Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl. Pour over bread mixture. Stir well to blend. Cover and cook on Low 3 1/2 to 4 hrs. or until skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 6-8 servings Now that's what the recipe says to do. I substitute eggnog and/or pumpkin eggnog for the milk when eggnog is in season. The bread will usually sink down after about an hour. If you think you might need more, add bread until it fills the top. Mix together more milk, egg, brown sugar, and spices and pour it over the bread. I also don't let the bread sit for 30 min. before adding the fruit. I just dump it all in together.... it's in a crockpot after all. I stir the whole mixture periodically to make sure all the bread is soaking evenly (and sneak a taste...or 2!) and not sticking to the bottom. Serve it warm from the crockpot with homemade whipped cream or sprinkled with confectioner's powdered sugar. It's even better the next day! Enjoy! : D  CommentsWed, 20 Jan 2010 17:33:05 You can add me to the "never had it and hesitant to try it" crowd—but your recipe and description make it sound yummy enough for me to try, so maybe I will.... : ) Lynn Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:45:37 We LOVE bread pudding too! It's such a comfort food. Although, I admit, we rarely make it at home, it is always our choice on those rare occasions when we're at a restaurant and it's on the menu. It seems like years (and I think it has been years!) since we've been to a restaurant like that, but I have fond memories of going to the Smithfield Inn for our anniversary and they always served up a delicious bread pudding. I'll have to try your recipe for a special treat. By the way, your pictures look as if they came straight from Victoria Magazine! Are these the special plates you found? They're beautiful. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:31:26 Yes! That's one of my 'new' old plates I found! I'm really loving them...and trying to come up with a 'photo-shoot' idea on how to post them. If you happen to try the recipe, Lynn, let me know how you like it! I also need to post a photo of that adorable birthday card you made for Caitlyn! And those cloth-covered journals...too cute!! You keep me motivated! : D Leave a Reply |  A Winter Journal
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