Bread and Butter Pudding - Downton Night 5

Downton Night... one of the most anticipated nights of the week.  I always look forward to the latest from the Granthams and my husband always looks forward to discovering the new British dessert in which we will indulge.

Tonight, I tried my hand at Bread and Butter Pudding.

Seriously, the British need to do something about the names of their desserts.  This did not sound terribly appetizing but I trusted a couple of friends who assured me I would like it.  As soon as it went into the oven, I knew they were right.  The aroma in my kitchen was sheer torture.  It was soo hard to wait for it to finish baking!

Ingredients:

2 sticks of butter, softened (plus more to butter the baking dish)
1 jar preserves (I used apricot but any you like will work)
20 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 4 pint/2 liter baking dish with butter. Cut the crusts from 20 slices of white sandwich bread.

Spread each with butter and preserves and cut into triangles.

In a saucepan, heat milk and cream without boiling.  In a large bowl, whisk sugar, spices, eggs and vanilla until light and frothy.

Continue whisking while slowly adding the hot milk mixture.

Once together, pile in the bread triangles and gently fold in until all pieces of bread are coated.  Allow to soak for 30 minutes.

Pour the bread mixture into the buttered baking dish and place on a baking sheet lined with foil.  Bake about 80 to 90 minutes, until top is golden and egg mixture is set.

Serve hot with fresh whipped cream and a cup of tea.

Now, bring on 1924!  I need to know what is going on with creepy Thomas and whether or not Edith is going to come clean about her baby girl.  Will Bunting get kicked to the curb by Branson?  Will Lady Mary be a little firmer with giving her beau the boot?  What is going on with Lady Grantham's creepy admirer? Will the Dowager and her Russian Prince reignite that spark from years ago? Let's hope tonight's episode gives us a few answers.  Even if we are denied, this Bread and Butter Pudding is worth the time spent viewing.  I am sure Mrs. Padmore would agree.

http://www.carnivalfilms.co.uk/shows/downton-abbey