Eastern Bluebird Pudding Recipes

EASTERN BLUEBIRD PUDDING

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring water and margarine to a boil. Slowly add grits, stirring and cooking until mixture begins to thicken.
• Remove from heat and add peanut butter and, if desired, raisins and peanut hearts.
• Mix well and place in feeders. Freeze excess for future use.

THE BEST BLUEBERRY BREAD PUDDING

Steps:

• Vigorously whisk eggs, egg yolks, salt, white sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until mixture turns light and frothy, about 1 minute. Add vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest, milk, and cream; whisk to combine. Toss in bread slices and press down until they start to soften and are submerged. Let sit, pressing down occasionally with a spatula, until custard has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush 2 tablespoons melted butter in the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Grab a few intact bread slices from the top of the bowl if possible and set aside. Transfer 1/2 of the remaining soaked bread into the prepared baking dish. Don't worry if it's falling apart, it should be; if not, break it up into pieces. Add blueberries and spread with your fingers to press them down into the bread. Add remaining bread pieces in an even layer, then top with the reserved slices. Pour any remaining custard batter over top and brush with remaining melted butter.
• Transfer bread pudding onto a baking sheet and place in the center of the preheated oven. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 1 hour. Let sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

EASTER PUDDINGS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Butter 6 individual puddings basins or dariole moulds and line the bottom of each with a small circle of baking parchment. Sit them in a deep roasting tin and boil the kettle.
• Place the butter, flour, sugar and zests and eggs into a bowl with a pinch of salt. Whisk with an electric hand whisk until just combined. Stir in the dried fruit, then divide between the moulds. Carefully pour hot water from the kettle into the tin until it comes about one-third to halfway up the sides of the moulds. Bake for 25-30 mins until a skewer pushed in comes out clean. Serve straight away. If making ahead, leave the puds to cool, cover for up to a day, then turn out of the moulds into a microwave-proof dish and microwave, three at a time, for 1-2 mins on High until hot. Turn out the puddings, pour over some of the Nutmeg custard (see recipe, below) and add a grating of nutmeg, if you like.