Minted Cherry Summer Pudding
- 1 large loaf brioche bread
- 6 cups pitted frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 bunches mint sprigs
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch salt
- 1 pint whipping cream
- Line a 6-cup glass bowl or a deep serving dish with a large piece of plastic wrap to cover the bottom and sides of the bowl.
- This will make it easy to unmold the pudding.
- Remove the crusts from the brioche and cut it into about 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the bread slices in the prepared bowl, cutting as necessary, to cover the bottom and sides.
- You should have some leftover slices.
- In a heavy bottomed saucepan, over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, 1 3/4 bunches of fresh mint sprigs, water and pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the berries begin to soften and release their juices, about 20 minutes.
- Spoon about half of the cherry mixture into the prepared bowl.
- Put a layer of brioche slices on top of the cherries and press down gently.
- Spoon more of the cherry mixture over the brioche layer.
- Reserve a little of the cherry liquid for the sauce.
- Look at the brioche slices at the bottom of the bowl they should be nicely colored with the liquid but not too saturated or too wet.
- Next, cover with the last layer of brioche slices and add more of the cherry mixture.
- If you run out of brioche slices, you can always use your crust trimmings.
- Tightly wrap the whole pudding and bowl with plastic wrap and put a plate, smaller than the top of the bowl, on top of the pudding to weigh it down.
- Put a heavy weight on top of the plate to compress further, such as heavy canned goods or even an iron skillet.
- Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
- Simmer the reserved cherry liquid in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Reduce the liquid by half, then discard the mint sprigs, cool down and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, whip the cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form, then add a teaspoon of the reduced cherry syrup.
- Whip to incorporate.
- Unmold the pudding onto a serving plate.
- Brush some of the syrup over the pudding to add a nice sheen.
- Cut into wedges and serve with dollops of the flavored whipped cream.
- Drizzle some of the syrup over each serving and a garnish a fresh mint sprig.
- You can even put a fresh cherry on top if you have the urge!
bread, frozen cherries, brown sugar, mint sprigs, water, salt, whipping cream
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/minted-cherry-summer-pudding-recipe.html (may not work)