Peach Pudding. Mrs. J. H. Reed. Recipe

Peach Pudding is a delightful dessert that has been enjoyed by generations. This beloved recipe was created by Mrs. J. H. Reed, and it has been passed down through her family for decades. It is a perfect summer treat that showcases the juicy and sweet flavors of fresh peaches. This recipe combines the fruity goodness of peaches with a light and fluffy batter, creating a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to please everyone.

Before we delve into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the history and fun facts about Peach Pudding. Puddings have long been a staple in British and American cuisine since the 16th century. Originally, a pudding was a savory dish made by boiling or steaming ingredients such as meat, grains, or vegetables in a casing. However, over time, pudding evolved to include sweet variations made with fruits, bread, or cake-like batters.

Peach Pudding is a perfect example of how pudding transformed into a delectable sweet dessert. Peaches were introduced to the United States by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and quickly became a popular fruit. As a result, peaches found their way into various recipes, including this delightful pudding.

Now, let's get started with the recipe for Peach Pudding:

Ingredients:
- Peaches, cooked and sweetened
- 1 pint of sweet milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- A little salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 cups of flour
- Cream for serving

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for baking cakes, usually around 350°F (175°C).

2. Take a pudding dish and fill it with cooked and sweetened peaches. The peaches should be soft and full of flavor. You can either use fresh peaches that have been peeled and sliced or canned peaches for convenience.

3. In a separate bowl, prepare the batter. Start by adding the sweet milk and beaten eggs.

4. Gradually add the sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, and flour to the milk and egg mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and you have a smooth batter.

5. Pour the batter over the peaches in the pudding dish, ensuring that the peaches are evenly covered.

6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the top of the pudding turns a rich, golden brown. This typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, but keep an eye on it as baking times may vary.

7. Once baked, remove the Peach Pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

8. To enhance the taste and texture, serve the Peach Pudding with a dollop of chilled cream. The cream adds a creamy and indulgent element to the dessert, making it even more luxurious.

Now that you have your delicious Peach Pudding ready to serve, you can enjoy the wonderful combination of soft and sweet peaches complemented by the light and fluffy batter. The flavors will blend harmoniously in every bite, leaving you craving for more.

If you're looking to expand your dessert repertoire, here are a few similar recipes that you might enjoy:

1. Apple Pudding: Substitute the peaches with thinly sliced and cooked apples. Follow the same steps to prepare and bake the pudding, and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful autumn twist.

2. Berry Pudding: Use a mix of your favorite berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, instead of peaches. The tartness of the berries will pair beautifully with the sweet batter, creating a burst of fruity flavors.

3. Banana Pudding: Swap the peaches for sliced bananas and layer them in the pudding dish. The combination of bananas and the rich batter will create a comforting and indulgent dessert that is sure to please banana lovers.

Remember, these recipes are just a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different fruits and flavors to create your own unique and delicious pudding variations.

Enjoy the lusciousness of Peach Pudding and explore the world of delightful pudding desserts!