Cran-Brandy Pudding

Cran-Brandy Pudding Recipe | Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5-2 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Cran-Brandy Pudding is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This rich and flavorful pudding is made with a combination of cranberries, walnuts, and brandy, making it a perfect treat for any special occasion.

History

Cran-Brandy Pudding is a traditional holiday dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This classic recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the richness of brandy to create a decadent and flavorful pudding that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

1.33 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cups firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp allspice
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp brandy
0.25 cups milk
3 tbsp oil
1 egg
0.75 cups chopped walnuts
2 cups cranberries, halved

How to prepare

Generously grease a 1 qt (946 ml) mold or casserole.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, soda, and baking powder.
Add brandy, milk, oil, and egg; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Stir in walnuts and cranberries.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared mold.
Cover tightly with foil.
Place the mold on a wire rack in a large steamer or kettle.
Pour boiled water 3-4" deep into the steamer; cover.
Keep the water boiling gently over low heat.
If necessary, add water to maintain steam.
Steam for 1.5-2 hours or until the pudding springs back when touched lightly in the center.
Cool slightly.
Invert the pudding onto a serving plate.
Cut into slices.
Serve with golden toffee sauce and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Cranberries, walnuts, and brandy flavor this traditional holiday favorite.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding dried fruit such as raisins or apricots to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Cran-Brandy Pudding turns out perfectly, be sure to generously grease your mold or casserole before adding the batter. Additionally, make sure to cover the pudding tightly with foil before steaming to ensure that it cooks evenly. Be sure to check the water level in your steamer periodically to prevent it from running dry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cran-Brandy Pudding warm with a drizzle of golden toffee sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent and festive dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the pudding is a traditional cooking technique that helps to ensure a moist and tender texture. Be sure to keep the water boiling gently and check the water level periodically to prevent it from running dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy on hand, you can substitute with rum or whiskey for a different flavor profile. You can also use dried cranberries instead of fresh for a slightly sweeter pudding.

Make Ahead Tips

Cran-Brandy Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Cran-Brandy Pudding even more festive, garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. You can also serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Pairing Recommendations

Cran-Brandy Pudding pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or a hot cup of coffee. The rich and fruity flavors of the pudding complement the sweetness of the wine or the boldness of the coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cran-Brandy Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or place in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cran-Brandy Pudding contains approximately 280 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cran-Brandy Pudding contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cran-Brandy Pudding contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cran-Brandy Pudding contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cran-Brandy Pudding is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the cranberries. It also contains iron, potassium, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Cran-Brandy Pudding contains nuts (walnuts) and eggs.

Summary

Cran-Brandy Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content. However, it does provide some essential nutrients, making it a delicious treat for special occasions.

Summary

Cran-Brandy Pudding is a classic holiday dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its rich and flavorful combination of cranberries, walnuts, and brandy, this pudding is a delicious treat for any special occasion. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of golden toffee sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, with a talent for creating delicious dishes that always seemed to bring our family together around the table.

One summer afternoon, as I sat in my grandmother's kitchen watching her prepare a special dessert for a family gathering, she suddenly turned to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Would you like to learn a new recipe today, my dear?" she asked. I nodded eagerly, excited at the prospect of adding a new dish to my growing repertoire.

My grandmother then proceeded to pull out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. On it was written the words "Cran-Brandy Pudding." She explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and that it was a favorite at holiday gatherings.

As she began to gather the ingredients and instruct me on the steps to create the pudding, I listened intently, eager to absorb every detail. The scent of cranberries and brandy filled the air, mingling with the warm aroma of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

I watched as my grandmother expertly mixed the ingredients together, her hands moving with ease and precision. She explained the importance of patience and care in cooking, stressing that the secret ingredient in any dish was love.

As the pudding slowly simmered on the stovetop, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and the memories she had of learning to cook from her own mother. She spoke of the joy that came from creating something delicious with her own hands, and the satisfaction of sharing it with loved ones.

Finally, the pudding was ready. My grandmother carefully poured it into a serving dish, the rich, deep red color of the cranberries glistening in the soft light of the kitchen. She then handed me a spoon and encouraged me to take the first bite.

The flavors exploded on my taste buds - sweet and tangy cranberries, warm spices, and a subtle hint of brandy that lingered on the palate. It was a taste unlike anything I had ever experienced, a perfect balance of flavors and textures that left me craving more.

From that day on, Cran-Brandy Pudding became a staple in our family gatherings. I would often make it for special occasions, sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones who were always impressed by its unique and delicious flavor.

As the years passed, my own children and grandchildren would gather in my kitchen to watch me make the pudding, just as I had watched my grandmother all those years ago. I would pass on the same lessons she had taught me - the importance of tradition, the joy of creating something with love, and the power of sharing a meal with those we hold dear.

And so, the memory of discovering the recipe for Cran-Brandy Pudding has become a cherished one for me, a reminder of the bond between generations and the magic of cooking that has always brought our family together.