Best Classic Summer Pudding Recipes

SUMMER PUDDING WITH RUM WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• Combine the strawberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup of water in a medium saucepan and cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Add 2 half-pints of raspberries and all the blueberries and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer. Cook for one minute. Off the heat, stir in the remaining raspberries and the framboise.
• Slice the bread in 1/2-inch-thick slices and remove the crusts. In the bottom of a 7 1/2-inch round by 3-inch high souffle or baking dish, ladle about 1/2 cup of the cooked berry mixture. Arrange slices of bread in a pattern (this will become the top when it's unmolded) and then add more berry mixture to saturate. Continue adding bread, cutting it to fit the mold, and berries. Finish with bread and cooked berries, using all of the fruit and syrup.
• Place a sheet of plastic wrap loosely over the pudding. Find a plate approximately the same diameter as the inside of the mold and place it on top. Weight the mold with a heavy can and refrigerate. Remove the weight after 6 to 8 hours. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Just before serving, run a knife around the outside of the pudding and unmold it upside down onto a serving plate. Serve in wedges with rum whipped cream.
• Whip the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. When it starts to thicken, add the sugar, vanilla, and rum. Continue to whip until it forms stiff peaks. Serve cold.

SUMMER PUDDING

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, stir together nectarines, sugar and 1/3 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Fold in raspberries and blackberries and cook until juices are thickened, at least three minutes. Taste and add more sugar if necessary. Pour into a large bowl and let cool.
• Line an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. When fruit is cool, cover base of pan with layer of brioche, cutting it to fit. Spoon 1/3 of the fruit on top. Cover with layer of brioche. Repeat, ending with fruit. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on top, then another loaf pan containing 2 to 3 pounds of weights (soup cans work well). Chill overnight.
• When ready to serve, whisk together the crème fraîche, mascarpone and honey. Spoon into a serving bowl to be passed at the table. Remove weights, pan and top layer of plastic wrap from pudding. Unmold onto a serving plate with a lip so juices do not spill. Slice and serve.