Cherry Pudding Recipe

Cherry Pudding, a delightful and refreshing dessert, is a traditional recipe that has been enjoyed for many generations. This delectable dish combines the tartness of sour cherries with the sweetness of sweet cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of wine-soaked rye bread and almonds adds a unique texture and depth to the pudding, making it a truly memorable treat.

To prepare the Cherry Pudding, start by grating one-half pound of stale rye bread. In a separate bowl, wet the grated rye bread with a wineglass of red wine. This step helps to soften the bread and infuse it with rich flavors. Pound two tablespoons of almonds until they are finely ground, and then stir them into the wine-soaked rye bread.

In another bowl, combine the yolks of four eggs with half a cup of powdered sugar. Gently whisk the yolks and sugar until they are well incorporated and form a smooth mixture. To enhance the flavor, add a touch of cinnamon to the egg mixture, creating a fragrant and warm undertone.

Once the egg mixture is flavored, add the grated rye bread and almonds to it. Make sure to mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the bread and almonds are evenly distributed throughout the pudding. At this stage, it is important to stone one-half pound each of sweet and sour cherries. This means removing the pits from the cherries, which can be done easily with a cherry pitter or by carefully cutting the cherries in half and removing the seeds with a sharp knife.

After the cherries have been stoned, gently fold them into the pudding mixture. It is crucial not to include any juice from the cherries, as this could make the pudding too watery. The cherries should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture, providing bursts of fruity flavor when the pudding is enjoyed.

Now, it's time to add the beaten egg whites to the pudding mixture. It is recommended to whisk the egg whites separately in a clean bowl until they form stiff peaks. Then, fold the beaten egg whites into the cherry and bread mixture, ensuring that the air from the egg whites is retained. This will give the pudding a light and fluffy texture.

Before pouring the mixture into a pudding mold, make sure to butter the mold well to prevent sticking. This step is essential to ensure that the pudding can be easily released from the mold when it is turned out onto a serving plate. Once the mold is prepared, carefully pour the pudding mixture into it, making sure to fill it to the top.

Bake the Cherry Pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the pudding to set properly.

Cherry Pudding is best enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator. The chilled temperature enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing treat on a warm day. Serve the pudding on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Now, let's dive into some fun facts about Cherry Pudding. The use of rye bread in this recipe is interesting as it adds a unique twist to the traditional pudding concept. Rye bread is dense and rich in flavor, which complements the cherries and almonds beautifully. Additionally, the addition of red wine further enhances the depth of flavors in this dish, giving it a sophisticated touch.

Cherries themselves have a rich history and are popular in many cuisines across the world. They are known for their vibrant colors and distinctive taste. Cherries are also packed with antioxidants and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

If you enjoy Cherry Pudding, you may also want to explore other similar dessert dishes. One such dish is Cherry Cobbler, which features a buttery biscuit-like topping over a layer of sweet cherries. Another option is Cherry Clafoutis, a French dessert consisting of baked cherries nestled in a custard-like batter.

In conclusion, Cherry Pudding is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of cherries, rye bread, almonds, and red wine. This traditional recipe brings a unique twist to the pudding concept, resulting in a delicious and refreshing treat. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with whipped cream or ice cream, Cherry Pudding is sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.