"slice" Bread Pudding Recipe

Bread pudding is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for many generations. It is believed to have originated as a way to use up stale bread, as wasting food was highly discouraged in the past. Over the years, various versions of this delicious dessert have emerged, each with their own unique twists and flavor profiles.

One such variation is the "slice" Bread Pudding, a simple yet delightful recipe that combines the goodness of bread, eggs, sugar, and milk. This recipe yields a rich and creamy pudding that can be enjoyed both as a dessert or a breakfast treat.

To begin, line the sides of a pudding dish holding two quarts with seven slices of stale bread from which the crust has been removed. This ensures that the bread becomes soft and absorbs the custard mixture evenly.

In a mixing bowl, beat together 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 cups of sweet milk. For added flavor, you can also include the juice and grated rind of one lemon or half a grated nutmeg. These ingredients lend a hint of tanginess and warmth to the pudding, making it even more delectable.

Once the custard mixture is ready, pour it into the center of the pudding dish. Using a spoon, dip some of the custard over each slice of bread, ensuring that every slice gets an even coating. This step ensures that the bread becomes moist and flavorful during the baking process.

Bake the bread pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes. Keep a close eye on the pudding to prevent it from overcooking or drying out. The bread pudding is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Now, let's move on to the delectable sauce that complements this bread pudding perfectly. For the sauce, you will need one cup of water, half a cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of butter, and a scant tablespoon of flour mixed smooth with a little water before adding it. Sweeten the sauce to taste, and add grated nutmeg or vanilla to flavor.

Cook all the sauce ingredients together until they thicken, and then add the yolk of one egg. Place the sauce on the stove for a minute to heat it through. Remember to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. This delightful sauce adds a creamy and luscious touch to the warm bread pudding.

To serve, spoon the sauce generously over the bread pudding while it is still hot. You can serve the bread pudding as a whole or portion it out into individual dishes, ensuring that each serving gets a generous amount of the delicious sauce.

Now that you have mastered the slice Bread Pudding recipe, you can explore other variations of this timeless dessert. Some popular alternatives include adding raisins, pecans, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can further experiment by incorporating different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, to create a richer and more indulgent pudding.

Bread pudding has also been adapted in various cuisines around the world. In English cuisine, it is often served with a vanilla custard sauce, while in Cajun and Creole cuisine, it is commonly made with French bread and flavored with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. In India, a bread pudding called Shahi Tukra is prepared by deep-frying bread slices and soaking them in a creamy milk mixture flavored with cardamom and saffron.

Whether you enjoy it with a classic vanilla sauce or with a twist, bread pudding continues to capture the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. Its humble origins and versatility make it a beloved dessert that can be enjoyed in any season. So, gather up those slices of stale bread, whip up a custard, and savor the comforting flavors of this timeless treat.