Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Pumpkin bread pudding

Thanks to a suggestion by discerning dots4eyes, I made the pumpkin bread pudding on the Smitten Kitchen blog.

It's really easy to make, and there are all sorts of variations possible. For example, I did not add bourbon; I don't have any and don't particularly like it -- certainly not enough to drive miles on an icy road to add it to this recipe.

I used my own pumpkin, which is a bit watery, so it wasn't the bright orange you might get using the commercially canned variety. But it was sooo tasty that I felt like doing handsprings. Unfortunately, I am so bundled up in sweaters and long-sleeved shirts that wasn't possible. Or maybe that was fortunate. I haven't done a handspring in many years, and there might have been sad consequences.

One thing I noticed in the comments to the original recipe is that many people are unsure of their cooking skills. One gal lamented that her bread wouldn't cut into squares. Mine didn't either, but in this recipe that doesn't matter.

crumbs being added to custard

One thing that does matter, I think, is to use unsalted butter. I rarely pay attention to this in recipe instructions, and I've never felt anything was too salty . . . except this time. The custard is quite subtle, so whatever is in the butter does shine through. I recommend using the finest butter you can afford. (I used the IGA brand on sale this week, so don't let that stop you.)

Also in the comments was a suggestion to top it off with whipped cream mixed with brown sugar and sour cream. I just used the whipped cream and sugar. The pudding definitely does not need anything added to it, but you really can't go wrong with whipped cream on anything. I sprinkled on some freshly grated nutmeg for an extra spark.

Many comments included something like: "I could eat the whole pan!" Yes, it's that good.

7 comments:

  1. Mary that looks fantastic. And I love your get together and have a meal idea. This we must do!

    Laura

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  2. I'm thinking: a potluck at Cliff's place, when the roads get better in about 6 months.

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  3. Woo Hoo! Just let me know when. I wouldn't miss it.

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  4. So glad you tried this and are as happy with the results as I was! I didn't use bourbon either, by the way. But I think next time I might soak some raisins in a little brandy and toss them into the mix.
    Look forward to seeing what you dish up for Christmas!

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  5. P.S. Dots For Eyes is a different blogger. I'm dots4eyes and I don't have my own blog page. Yet. :)

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  6. Yum! I'm going to make this one for my sister and family when I go down to visit them for Christmas. Thanks for sharing, Mary!

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  7. Sorry about the mix-up, dots4eyes! When you get your blog, let me know and I'll be sure I mention it.

    That pumpkin bread really was great . . . must make more!

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