Bread Pudding and a Trip Back in Time

If you know me well at all, you are already aware that I have an affinity for all things old-fashioned--quilts, rolling pins and vintage bowls, recipes, you name it.  If it reminds me of something my grandmothers would have had in their homes, then chances are, I'm in love with it.

Today I have an old-fashioned recipe to share with you.  This is the type of recipe that allows my imagination to wander off to my dream farmhouse.  Step back in time with me to grandma's house where simple muslin curtains trimmed in ball fringe swish in the gentle afternoon breeze, allowing warm rays of sunshine to filter into the corner of every room.  Soft quilts and feather pillows top slightly-sagging-in-the-middle beds.  And colorful braided rag rugs are scattered on the freshly scrubbed pine floors.  From the kitchen flows the scent of cinnamon and raisins, sugar and vanilla as a bread pudding slowly bakes in the oven.  Money is tight, so in her resourcefulness, grandma has gathered up the left-over bread and combined it with a few simple ingredients to magically produce a comforting treat for her children and grandchildren. Not only has she filled her home with a delightful aroma but she has filled up the hearts of her family with love and a sense of belonging.

Home cooking does that.  It fills our bodies with nourishment, but it also fills our emotional tanks with love.  It says to others, "You're special and your needs are worthy of my time and effort."  I believe meal preparation is one of the most important tasks we as mothers can do for our families.  Grandma knew this almost instinctively.  Her role was clearly defined and she went about her daily tasks in earnest, aware that meeting the needs of her family was her first priority.

Though times were simpler, Grandma still worked hard.  She didn't have the myriad distractions we have today, nor did she have all the modern conveniences.  However, those helpful tools she did have, she embraced.  Like her, I'm happy that I can create a warm home atmosphere and still employ some modern appliances to make my tasks easier.  In an earlier post, I told you that my crock pot is my best friend.  While that may be a slight exaggeration, I truly appreciate my little counter top companion.  I can fill it with ingredients then forget about it for hours on end.  With this recipe, you can do just that--fill it with bread, then pour a milk, egg, and sugar mixture over.  Top with raisins and pop on the lid.

Grandma would have approved.

Clean all the bread out of the freezer, including a couple of stray hot dog buns.

Pour the liquid ingredients over.

After it bakes, it puffs up light and fluffy.

Finally, mix up the sauce on the stove.

Bread Pudding 

• 8 slices bread, cubed
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Place bread cubes in greased slow cooker.  Beat together eggs and milk.  Stir in sugar, butter, raisins, and cinnamon.  Pour over bread and stir.  Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.  Reduce heat to low and cook 3-4 hours.  Make sauce just before pudding is done baking.   Begin by melting butter in saucepan.  Stir in flour until smooth.  Gradually add water, sugar, and vanilla.  Bring to a boil.  Cook, stirring constanly for 2 minutes, or until thickened.  Serve sauce over warm bread pudding.

Sorry, Bella.  Don't you know Grandma doesn't abide slackers?

Love,