Mamelie’s Bread Pudding

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Mamelie’s Bread Pudding. This classic dessert is a perfect way to transform stale French bread into a delectable treat that will leave your taste buds craving more. With a combination of creamy custard, sweet apples, plump raisins, and a hint of citrus, this bread pudding is a comforting and satisfying dessert for any occasion.

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 loaf stale French bread, cubed
• 2 cups milk
• 4 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the bread cubes with milk. Add the beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the sliced apples, raisins, and lemon zest. You can substitute the lemon zest with a liqueur or a spice of your choice, such as cinnamon.
3. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water over medium heat. Stir until the mixture becomes a blond caramel.
4. Butter a mold, such as a deep-dish pie plate. Pour the caramel into the mold, tilting it to spread the caramel evenly. Add the apple mixture on top.
5. Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the pudding to cool for 10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the mold and carefully flip it to unmold the pudding.
7. Serve the bread pudding warm or cold.

TIPS:

• Use stale French bread for the best texture. Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better and results in a softer and more moist bread pudding.
• Soak the bread cubes in milk for a sufficient amount of time to ensure they are fully saturated. This will prevent dry spots in the finished pudding.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pudding.
• If you prefer a boozy twist, you can soak the raisins in your favorite liquor, such as rum or brandy, before adding them to the pudding.
• Be careful while preparing the caramel sauce. Monitor the sugar and water mixture closely to achieve the desired blond caramel color without burning it.
• Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before unmolding it. This will help the caramel sauce settle and prevent it from sticking to the mold.
• Serve the bread pudding warm or cold, according to your preference. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Feel free to customize the flavors by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the custard mixture for a warm and aromatic twist.

Mamelie’s Bread Pudding can be enjoyed either warm or cold, making it a versatile dessert option for any time of the year. Whether you serve it as a cozy treat on a chilly evening or as a refreshing delight on a warm summer day, this bread pudding is sure to impress your family and friends.

So, grab a slice of Mamelie’s Bread Pudding and savor the perfect blend of textures and flavors in every spoonful. It’s a dessert that brings joy and comfort with every bite.

Enjoy Mamelie’s delicious bread pudding as a comforting and flavorful dessert.