Griddled Holiday Bread Pudding Recipes

GRILLED BREAD PUDDING WITH FRESH FRUIT

Steps:

• Toss together the peaches, raspberries and brown sugar. Set aside to macerate.
• Preheat the grill. Slice the bread. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully to make sure they do not brown too much; set aside to cool.
• In a saucepan, heat the half-and-half, cream, salt and vanilla bean over medium heat, stirring occasionally to make sure the mixture doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. When the cream mixture reaches a fast simmer (do not let it boil), turn off the heat. Set aside to infuse 10 to 15 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together. Whisking constantly, gradually add the hot cream mixture. Strain into a large shallow bowl to smooth the mixture and remove the vanilla bean. Dip the toasted bread slices into the custard, and let soak until absorbed. Fold the mixture occasionally to ensure even soaking. Transfer the slices to the grill and cook about 5 minutes on each side. Serve warm or chilled, dusted with confectioners' sugar.

GRIDDLED HOLIDAY BREAD PUDDING

Steps:

• Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Then add milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, baking mix, and vanilla and mix well. Stir in the dates, white chocolate morsels, dried cranberries, and pecans. Fold in the bread cubes and mix well. Let bread soak up the mixture for 5 minutes.
• Heat oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop the bread pudding mixture, packing firmly. Place the scoop of bread pudding in the hot oil. Place a few in the skillet. Do not overcrowd, and leave room to flip the cakes.
• Cook until bottoms are browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and press down with a spatula until about 1/2 inch high. Brown the other side, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove cakes and drain on cooling grate. Repeat until all bread pudding cakes are done.
• Prepare the sauce: Bring the heavy whipping cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Take off the heat and add white chocolate, cinnamon, and rum extract; stir until smooth and completely melted. Sauce will be fairly liquid. Pour over the bread pudding as desired.

HOLIDAY BREAD PUDDING

Steps:

• Warm the rum in a small saucepan, add the candied fruit and set aside.
• Place one-half cup of the sugar with the water in a heavy saucepan or skillet, preferably one with a nonstick lining. Place over medium-high heat, bring to a boil and allow to cook until it turns a rich amber color. Immediately pour this caramel into a four-cup metal loaf pan that does not have a nonstick lining and tilt the pan so the bottom and sides become coated with caramel. Keep tilting the pan as the caramel cools so the coating is even.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Cube the bread and place it in a bowl. Scald the milk and cream and pour over the bread. Stir. Fold in the candied fruit and rum and the pine nuts. Add the remaining sugar. Lightly beat the egg yolks and stir them in.
• Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold into the bread pudding. Spoon the pudding into the caramel-lined pan. Place in the oven and bake for one hour.
• Allow to cool to room temperature and refrigerate overnight.
• Run a knife around the edges, unmold onto a platter and serve.