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~baguette pudding~

Using baguette for bread pudding instead of plain bread elevates this humble dessert into something really special. While I was busy in the kitchen creating this recipe, Jeff asked, “Whatcha’ makin’?” I said, “I’m making up a bread pudding recipe using baguette.” He squinched his nose at me. I said, “I know. You don’t like bread pudding. Me and Gracie will eat it.” While it was baking I made a lemon sauce and he came back out in the kitchen. “That smells good.” I said, “Yup,” and just kept right on cooking. After dinner I offered him some. “Well, I suppose I could try a little.” Yeah. Guess who had two helpings? 😉

4 cups cubed baguette, with crusts

2 and 1/4 cups milk

3/4 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place bread in a 1 and 1/2 quart, glass baking dish (don’t use metal for this recipe.) In a saucepan, over low heat, combine milk, sugar, butter and salt. Stir until butter melts. Remove from heat. Whisk eggs and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir a small amount of the hot milk mixture into egg mixture; return all to pan and stir well. Pour over the bread. Using a wooden spoon, moosh the bread under the egg mixture so it’s immersed somewhat. Sprinkle a little nutmeg over the top. Place this pan in a larger baking pan. Very carefully, fill the larger baking pan with boiling water so the smaller pan is about 1 inch deep in the boiling water. Bake, uncovered, in an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes (until a butter knife inserted in the center of the pudding comes clean.)

~lemon sauce~

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

zest of one lemon

2 Tablespoons butter

Mix sugar and starch in a saucepan. Stir in water until smooth. Bring to boil over medium heat. Cook 1-2 minutes, until thick. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and butter. Serve over warm or cold bread pudding. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and lavender blossoms.

Enjoy!

~Melissa