German Bread Pudding. Recipe

German bread pudding, also known as "Arme Ritter" or "Poor Knights," is a delicious and comforting dessert that has a long history in German cuisine. This humble dish originated as a way to use up stale bread, making it a frugal and practical dessert for families. Over time, it evolved into a beloved traditional German recipe and is now enjoyed not just in Germany, but also in many parts of the world.

Fun Fact: Bread pudding has been around for centuries and can be traced back to ancient times when people found creative ways to use leftover bread. It was a popular dish among medieval European peasants who used the ingredients they had on hand to create a filling and tasty dessert.

Now, let's dive into the steps to make a delicious German bread pudding:

Ingredients:
- 8 cups of day-old bread, preferably brioche or challah, cut into cubes
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.

3. Add the bread cubes to the mixture, ensuring that all the bread is thoroughly coated and soaked in the liquid. If desired, stir in the raisins for added sweetness and texture.

4. Let the bread mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb the liquid.

5. Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

7. Once cooked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

8. German bread pudding can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve it as is or accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm vanilla sauce for enhanced flavor.

Fun Fact: In Germany, bread pudding is often served as a dessert during the winter months, especially around Christmas time. It is a popular dish during holiday gatherings and is enjoyed by both young and old alike.

Similar recipe dishes you might enjoy:

1. English Bread and Butter Pudding: This British variation of bread pudding uses buttered bread slices instead of cubed bread. It is often flavored with orange zest and served with a warm custard sauce.

2. French Pain Perdu: Meaning "lost bread" in French, pain perdu is made with stale or day-old bread soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. It is then fried until golden brown and served with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

3. Italian Pappa al Pomodoro: This traditional Tuscan dish is not technically a bread pudding, but it does use stale bread as a main ingredient. Pappa al Pomodoro is a hearty tomato and bread soup that is bursting with flavors like garlic, basil, and olive oil.

Enjoy experimenting with these variations and discovering your favorite bread-based dessert!

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