Fruit Pudding. Mrs. W. H. Eckhart. Recipe

Fruit Pudding Recipe by Mrs. W. H. Eckhart

History and Fun Facts:
Fruit pudding, also known as fruit dumplings, has been enjoyed as a comforting dessert for many generations. Although its exact origins are unclear, variations of this dish exist in multiple cuisines around the world. The recipe has seen adaptations using different types of fruits and flavorings, making it a versatile treat. The combination of a soft, sweet fruit filling encased in a tender crust, baked until golden and served with creamy accompaniments, is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:
- 1 quart of flour
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoonfuls of baking powder
- 1 teaspoonful of sugar
- Butter (size of an egg)
- A little salt
- Milk (for dough consistency)
- Assorted fruits (apples or peaches, peeled and halved)
- Cinnamon (for sprinkling)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
- Butter (lumps for topping)
- 1/2 pint of water
- Sweetened milk or cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for baking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture.
5. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to form a soft dough. Adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve a workable consistency.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, similar to pie crust thickness.
7. Cut the rolled dough into square pieces, each approximately four inches in size.
8. Place half of an apple or peach (pared) in the center of each square piece of dough.
9. Pinch the corners of the dough together to enclose the fruit, forming a dumpling shape.
10. Grease a baking pan with butter and arrange the fruit dumplings in a single layer.
11. Place a lump of butter on top of each dumpling and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for added flavor.
12. Carefully pour the half-pint of water into the pan, ensuring it surrounds the dumplings without submerging them completely.
13. Bake the fruit pudding in the preheated oven until the crust turns golden brown and the fruit filling is tender. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the dumplings, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
14. Once baked, remove the fruit pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly.
15. Serve the warm fruit pudding with sweetened milk or cream to complement its delightful flavors.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed this fruit pudding recipe, you may also be interested in exploring similar dishes from various culinary traditions. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Apple Dumplings: In American cuisine, apple dumplings are a popular dessert. This dish typically features whole apples wrapped in pastry dough, flavored with cinnamon and sugar, and baked until tender. Serve with sweet sauces or ice cream for a delightful treat.

2. Sweet Potato Dumplings: In Southern cuisine, sweet potato dumplings are a comforting and unique dessert. These dumplings are made by encasing sweet potato mash in a dough, which is then boiled or baked. They are often served with a buttery brown sugar glaze or drizzled with maple syrup.

3. Gujiya: A traditional Indian sweet, gujiya is made by filling a pastry with a mixture of sweetened khoya (condensed milk solids), nuts, and dried fruits. These dumplings are deep-fried until golden and then dipped in a sugar syrup for a delightful treat during festive occasions.

Feel free to explore these variations and adapt them to your taste, as the charm of fruit dumplings lies in their versatility and ability to bring joy to the dining table. Enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of this delicious fruit pudding, and savor the rich history and delightful traditions it embodies.