Bread pudding

The perfect dessert for those days when you crave something sweet but don't have a lot of ingredients on hand? I invite you to prepare a delicious bread pudding, a simple dessert but full of flavor and nostalgia. This recipe is ideal for transforming old bread into a delightful treat, and the combination of milk, eggs, and raisins will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients you need:

- 300 g sliced bread (ideal if it is 1-2 days old, so it doesn't fall apart)
- 300 g sugar
- 5 fresh eggs
- 500 ml milk
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- 50 g raisins (you can also use other dried fruits if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)

Preparation – Step by Step:

1. Prepare the raisins: Start by removing any stems from the raisins. Place them in a small bowl, drizzling them with the rum essence. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to hydrate them and give them a delicious flavor. This step is essential because the raisins absorb the rum flavor and become very tasty.

2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the 5 eggs with the sugar until you obtain a homogeneous and fluffy mixture. Add the remaining milk (about 500 ml) and mix well. This combination will be the base of your pudding and will provide moisture and flavor.

3. Prepare the pan: Grease a baking dish with a tablespoon of butter, making sure it is well covered. This will prevent the pudding from sticking and will give a golden and delicious crust.

4. Soak the bread: The slices of bread should be quickly dipped in the egg and milk mixture. Don't leave them too long, as they risk falling apart. Arrange the slices in the prepared pan, overlapping them if necessary. Continue this process until all the bread is used.

5. Add the raisins: Evenly sprinkle the hydrated raisins over the slices of bread. They will add a sweet note and a pleasant texture to the dessert.

6. Pour the mixture: After arranging the slices of bread and raisins, pour the remaining egg and milk mixture over everything. Make sure everything is well covered.

7. Bake the pudding: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pudding is golden and firm to the touch. A simple way to check if it is baked is to insert a knife in the middle; it should come out clean.

8. Serving: Once the pudding is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting it. You can serve it plain, dusted with vanilla sugar, or alongside a spoonful of your favorite jam. Additionally, vanilla ice cream would be a perfect accompaniment to enhance the flavors.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Type of bread: Old bread is ideal, but for a richer taste and texture, you can use homemade bread or even sweet bread. Whole grain bread adds extra nutrients and a more intense flavor.

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of raisins or add nuts, hazelnuts, or even chocolate for a touch of luxury. Also, for a more exotic flavor, you can try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture.

- Nutritional benefits: This pudding is rich in protein due to the eggs and milk, and the raisins add fiber and antioxidants. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed with pleasure, without being a completely unhealthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can replace cow's milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk for a vegan version.

- How do I store the pudding? The pudding keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven to restore its soft texture.

- What drinks can I serve alongside? A fruit tea, a creamy cappuccino, or even a sweet wine can be excellent accompaniments to this pudding.

The joy of cooking and enjoying such a simple and tasty dessert is a fulfilling experience. By trying this recipe, you will not only indulge your taste buds but also transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Enjoy your meal!