Eve's Pudding: A Delightful and Easy Recipe

Eve's Pudding, a classic British dessert, is surprisingly simple to make yet delivers a rich and comforting taste. This recipe focuses on creating a perfectly smooth and creamy pudding that's sure to become a family favorite. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, ensuring you achieve pudding perfection.

Ingredients for a Delicious Eve's Pudding

This recipe makes enough Eve's Pudding for about 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for larger gatherings.

• 100g self-raising flour: Using self-raising flour simplifies the recipe, eliminating the need for separate raising agents. Ensure it's fresh for the best results.
• 100g caster sugar: Caster sugar dissolves easily, contributing to a smooth pudding texture. Granulated sugar can be used, but might leave small granules.
• 50g butter, softened: Softened butter incorporates more easily into the mixture, creating a lighter, airier pudding. Don't melt it!
• 2 large eggs: Free-range eggs are recommended for superior flavor and richness. Bring them to room temperature for optimal emulsification.
• 200ml milk: Whole milk is ideal for a richer pudding, but semi-skimmed will also work well.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon.
• Optional: A pinch of salt: A tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Perfect Eve's Pudding

Follow these steps carefully to create a flawlessly smooth and delicious Eve's Pudding.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and a smoother texture.

Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and caster sugar. Sifting removes lumps and ensures even distribution, contributing to a better texture.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer (or a strong arm and a whisk!), cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light and airy pudding.

Step 4: Adding Eggs

Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Incorporating Milk and Vanilla

Gradually add the milk to the mixture, alternating with the vanilla extract, mixing gently until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the pudding tough.

Step 6: Baking the Pudding

Grease and flour a 1.5-liter pudding basin (or a similar-sized ovenproof dish). Pour the batter into the prepared basin. Place the basin in a larger roasting tin. Pour enough boiling water into the roasting tin to come halfway up the sides of the pudding basin. This creates a bain-marie, ensuring even cooking and a moist pudding.

Step 7: Baking Time and Temperature

Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F/Gas Mark 2) for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the bain-marie. Then, carefully remove the pudding from the basin and serve warm or cold with your favorite accompaniments.

Serving Suggestions for Eve's Pudding

Eve's pudding is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:

• Custard: Classic and creamy, custard complements the pudding's sweetness.
• Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy texture.
• Berry compote: A tart berry compote cuts through the richness of the pudding.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a touch of coolness.

Tips for Eve's Pudding Success

• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough pudding.
• Use a bain-marie: This ensures even cooking and prevents the pudding from drying out.
• Check for doneness: Use a skewer to test for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Let it cool slightly: Allowing the pudding to cool slightly before serving makes it easier to handle and prevents it from being too hot.

Enjoy your homemade Eve's Pudding! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out.