Homemade pudding

Homemade Pudding: A Nostalgic and Tasty Dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't remember the joy of childhood when a simple yet delicious dessert brought a smile to your face? Homemade pudding is exactly that kind of dish: comforting, soothing, and full of flavors that remind us of warm and loving moments. This classic dessert is made with simple ingredients that we usually have in the fridge, and it is perfect to be enjoyed cold, perhaps even the next day, when the flavors have blended even better.

The origin of homemade pudding is deeply rooted in culinary tradition, being an adaptable recipe that has evolved over time, depending on the available ingredients and personal preferences. Whether it was made by grandma, mom, or even you, this dessert remains a sweet memory, full of emotion.

Ingredients:
- 5 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/3 liter of milk
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of orange zest (pesticide-free, ideally organic)
- A pinch of lemon zest
- 500 g of sheep cheese (preferably aged, for an intense flavor)
- 100 g of stale bread (white bread can also be used, but avoid fresh bread)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Essences (vanilla, rum, or almond), optional
- A pinch of salt and a drop of lemon juice (for the egg whites)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no traces of yolk remain in the whites; otherwise, they won't whip well. It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature for better homogenization.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of lemon juice to the egg whites. Beat them with a mixer on medium speed until they form a firm foam, which will give an airy structure to your pudding.

3. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the milk, sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest until creamy. Add the crumbled (or grated) sheep cheese and the well-crushed stale bread. Mix everything well, allowing the bread to soften and absorb the liquid.

4. Combining the ingredients: Once the mixture is homogenized, carefully add the whipped egg whites, gently folding in with a spatula from top to bottom. It is important to keep the air in the egg whites to achieve a fluffy pudding.

5. Preparing the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with butter and flour or use parchment paper. This step will prevent the pudding from sticking to the dish and will facilitate serving.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C. Bake the pudding for about 40 minutes, or until it becomes golden and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean).

7. Cooling: Once the pudding is baked, it is essential to let it cool at room temperature with the oven door slightly open. This step will prevent the pudding from collapsing suddenly.

8. Serving: Homemade pudding is served cold, making it ideal to be enjoyed the next day. It can be garnished with a fruit sauce, jam, or simply dusted with powdered sugar.

Practical Tips:
- If you want a more aromatic pudding, you can add a few drops of rum or almond essence to the yolk mixture.
- Use quality sheep cheese, as its flavor will significantly influence the final aroma.
- Stale bread is crucial; if you don't have stale bread, you can use cookies or even oatmeal, but the texture will be different.
- You can add dried fruits or nuts to the mixture for an extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can adapt the recipe with almond, soy, or coconut milk, but the taste will vary.
2. How can I make the pudding less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural substitute, such as stevia.
3. How can I store the pudding? It can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutritional Benefits:
This pudding is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the milk provides essential calcium. Additionally, the citrus zest adds antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert not only delicious but also nutritious.

Possible Variations:
- Try replacing sheep cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Add melted chocolate to the mixture for a chocolate-flavored pudding.
- Experiment with various flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

Homemade pudding is undoubtedly a dessert that brings with it beautiful memories and unforgettable moments. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and love from the kitchen, and each slice will be a little joy that you can share with your loved ones. Happy cooking!