Bread pudding

Bread pudding – a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Do you remember your grandmother waiting for you with a warm cake after a long day? Bread pudding is exactly that recipe that will bring back pleasant memories, combining simple ingredients into a savory dessert, perfect for any occasion. Besides being a quick dessert, it is also an excellent way to make use of leftover bread, giving it a delicious new life.

The history of bread pudding spans centuries, being a perfect example of how people have found ingenious solutions to avoid food waste. This simple yet versatile recipe can be adapted according to tastes and available ingredients. Whether you choose to use raisins, dried fruits, or even chocolate, bread pudding is a dessert that will never go out of style.

Ingredients:
- 500 g sliced bread (preferably stale)
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 500 ml milk
- 4 eggs
- 200 ml yogurt (you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 100 g butter (for greasing the dish and adding flavor)
- 1 packet instant vanilla pudding
- 1-2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g raisins (soaked in rum)
- Sour cherry jam (or any other preferred jam)

Preparation:
1. Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated before placing the pudding in, to achieve even baking.

2. In a pot, bring the milk to a boil, adding a tablespoon of sugar and the vanilla extract. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Once the milk reaches boiling point, let it cool slightly.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the cheese filling. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with two tablespoons of sugar, yogurt, lemon zest, and drained raisins. I recommend using well-drained cheese to avoid a too wet pudding.

4. Generously grease a baking dish with butter, ensuring all corners are covered. The slices of bread should be buttered on one side to add extra flavor.

5. Place a first layer of bread slices in the prepared dish, buttered side up. You can use the ends of the bread slices to fill in the gaps – we don't want to waste anything!

6. In another bowl, beat the four eggs with two tablespoons of sugar. Add the warm milk and the packet of vanilla pudding, mixing well until smooth. This will be the liquid that binds all the ingredients together.

7. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread slices in the dish, ensuring all slices are well soaked. Then, add a layer of the cheese mixture and, if desired, a few spoonfuls of sour cherry jam for an intense sweet-sour flavor.

8. Repeat the process, forming layers of bread, cheese filling, and jam until all ingredients are used. Ensure that the last layer is of bread slices.

9. Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.

10. In a small bowl, beat an egg with a tablespoon of yogurt and pour the mixture evenly over the pudding. This step will give a golden and appetizing crust.

11. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pudding for 20 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

12. Once the pudding is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before dusting with sugar. This will add an elegant look and an extra sweet taste.

Serving:
Bread pudding can be served warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a serving of whipped cream, ice cream, or even a caramel sauce for an extra indulgence. I encourage you to experiment with different types of jam – sour cherries add a note of freshness, but you can also try peaches or raspberries.

Practical tips:
- Choose older bread, as it will absorb the liquid better, giving the pudding a pleasant and moist texture.
- If you don't have raisins, you can replace them with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries.
- Bread pudding can be frozen. If you want to prepare it in advance, let it cool completely, then portion and freeze. When you want to consume it, simply let it thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional benefits:
Bread pudding is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs, and adding yogurt can contribute beneficial probiotics for digestion. Additionally, raisins are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing extra nutrients. It is a healthier choice compared to other desserts, due to its simple and natural ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture, but make sure to add sugar to balance the less sweet taste.

2. How can I make the pudding less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or choose a jam without added sugar.

3. Is it possible to add chocolate?
Absolutely! Add chocolate chips between layers for a decadent dessert.

I hope this bread pudding recipe brings you joy and flavor in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a sweet moment, bread pudding is the perfect choice. Enjoy!