| …Bread Pudding 101
Those who know me well will know that I like to throw things together when it comes to cooking. No measuring, no fuss, whatever I have on hand. To me baking is like studying for exams. Too much stress!
So that makes all my recipes hard to nail down exactly. But this one is my basic bread pudding concoction and some ideas for embellishment. Enjoy!
5 c. Bread (good and dry, torn into 1″ cubes…I use whatever I have on hand- cornbread, scones, muffins, etc)
2 c. cream (milk, half and half, flavored creamer, artery-cloggin’ whipping cream is the best, sweetened condensed milk, etc)
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, brown sugar, molasses, honey, etc)
cinnamon
vanilla/ almond extract
Beat all ingredients together and pour over bread. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb. Add whatever you would like of the following embellishments:
Apples, dried fruit, cranberries, chocolate, raisins, pureed pumpkin, bananas, coconut, pineapple, etc, etc, etc.
Bake covered at 350 degrees for about a half hour. Take off cover. bake until set maybe about 15 more minutes or until it smells like bread pudding in the air. (At that point you might want to run for the stove because it might be getting overdone!)
Let cool slightly, then scoop and serve. Guess what I like it best with? Heavy whipping cream on top! hahahaha….
Outstanding in my Field
Now that the eternal summer is coming to a close, I will be a little less out standing in my field. I can tell you for one, my overalls will be greatful. They have busted at the seams, worn holes in the knees and are feeling more like threads than “worn in”. My boots probably would say the same thing if they found a voice. The garden is coming to a close, but we still have a lot of winter greens and roots still out there. I love seeing the lively green against the fading earth tones. We’re all getting ready for the fall season ahead aren’t we? I saw my first fox the other day, and my mom saw a coyote in the street. Ahhhemmm. Mr. Coyote you are a little too close for comfort. That makes you a tad bit concerned. Who ever said living in a wildlife preserve was romantic? My little cat catching chipmunks to play with certainly isn’t my idea of charming. But the crisp mornings, heavy dew, slightly smoky air from a neighbor’s leaves burning is romantic. Watching sun beams reflect off of dusty specks is truly glorious. And seeing combines chugga-luggin’ five miles an hour down the road remind you to slow down and thank God for the richness of harvest time. It’s a wonderful time, a time to be thankful and grateful and still and reflective. So I hope you’ll get a chance to do just that. I try every time I’m picking beans or out with my sheep or watching the sun set into the horizon. Those are the moments that take our breath away!
|
