Nottingham Pudding: Apple and Custard Delight
Description
Originating from Leeds, England, this delightful Nottingham Pudding marries the natural sweetness of apples with a creamy custard, resulting in a dessert that captures the essence of British comfort food. The variation in custard texture often depends on the juices released by the apples during baking, adding a unique twist to each batch. As the apples bake, their juices meld with the custard, creating a luscious blend that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Apples (peeled and cored) |
| 3 tbsp | Butter |
| 3 tbsp | White Sugar |
| 1/4 tsp | Nutmeg |
| 1/4 tsp | Cinnamon |
| 6 tbsp | All-Purpose Flour |
| 1/4 cup | Cold Water |
| 3 | Eggs (beaten) |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| – | Milk (as needed) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 316.9 |
| Total Fat | 15.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 140.3 mg |
| Sodium | 160.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 30.9 g |
| Protein | 5.7 g |
Instructions
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Preparation: Begin by peeling and coring the apples. This ensures they will cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate beautifully.
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Creaming: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth custard.
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Flavoring: Add a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon to the creamed butter and sugar, infusing the mixture with warm, aromatic spices.
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Filling Apples: Generously fill the center of each apple with the sugar and butter mixture, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor with each bite.
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Baking Dish: Place the filled apples in a well-buttered ovenproof dish. Choosing a dish that allows the apples to touch each other helps maintain their shape during baking.
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Custard Preparation: In a separate bowl, blend the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water until smooth. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well to ensure there are no lumps.
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Seasoning: Stir in a dash of salt and add sufficient milk to achieve a creamy batter that is smooth but not too thick, avoiding an overly eggy taste.
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Baking: Pour the custard batter over the apples in the dish, ensuring they are well covered. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 40 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden.
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Serving: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, allowing the delightful combination of apple and custard to shine.
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Tips and Hints: For those who love a richer custard, consider doubling the custard ingredients for an even creamier experience. Alternatively, you can create a pouring milk sauce using custard powder and sugar, offering a delicious addition to each serving.
This Nottingham Pudding recipe is not only simple to follow but also provides a heartwarming taste of British tradition that your family will love. Enjoy this dessert with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of cream for an ultimate treat!
