Mary's Cup Pudding (from Stale Bread) Recipe

Mary's Cup Pudding, made from stale bread, is a delightful and simple dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe is a clever way to repurpose stale bread and create a delicious treat that is both budget-friendly and satisfying. The use of stale bread in this pudding was a common practice in earlier times when food waste was minimized and every ingredient was utilized to its fullest potential.

Fun fact: Did you know that bread pudding has been a popular dessert since the Middle Ages? It originated as a way to use up stale bread, which was a common ingredient in many households. Over time, this humble bread pudding has evolved and transformed into numerous variations across different cultures.

Now, let's get started with the recipe for Mary's Cup Pudding!

Recipe: Mary's Cup Pudding (from Stale Bread)
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serving: 4-6 people (depending on cup size)

Ingredients:
- 1 quart of finely crumbled stale bread
- Butter for greasing the cups
- 1 pint of milk
- 3 eggs

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a moderately hot temperature of 350°F (175°C). Butter the cups generously to prevent the pudding from sticking.

2. Take the finely crumbled stale bread and fill the buttered cups two-thirds full with the crumbs. Ensure that the bread crumbs are tightly packed to give the pudding a moist and dense texture.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined. The custard mixture will bind the bread crumbs together and add richness to the pudding.

4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread crumbs, allowing it to soak in for a few minutes. This will ensure that the bread absorbs the liquid and softens.

5. Place the prepared cups in a baking pan that is partially filled with hot water. The water bath will create a gentle and even heat distribution, preventing the pudding from drying out during baking.

6. Carefully place the pan with the cups in the preheated oven. Bake the pudding for approximately 30 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

7. Once baked, remove the cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the pudding warm or at room temperature.

Optional Sweet Sauce:
This pudding does not require sugar if served with a sweet sauce. Here's a simple recipe for a delicious homemade sweet sauce that perfectly complements the pudding:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved.

2. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring. Be careful as the mixture may bubble and splatter.

3. Continue to cook the sauce for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.

4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes before serving.

To serve the pudding, drizzle the warm sweet sauce over each cup or serve it on the side, allowing each person to pour their desired amount.

Fun fact: Bread pudding variations can be found in various cuisines worldwide. In the United Kingdom, bread and butter pudding is a popular variant made with layers of buttered bread, dried fruits, and a custard mixture. In the United States, New Orleans-style bread pudding features a rich and decadent mixture of bread, cream, sugar, and spices, often served with a flavorful whiskey or rum sauce.

So, whether you're enjoying Mary's Cup Pudding or exploring different bread pudding recipes, this classic dessert is a delicious way to transform stale bread into a delightful treat. Remember to experiment with flavors, spices, and additional ingredients to create your own unique twist on this timeless dessert.