PUMPKIN GINGER BREAD PUDDING

PUMPKIN GINGER BREAD PUDDING image

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (4-lb.) kabocha squash or pumpkin, preferably sugar pumpkin
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 C. heavy cream
4 eggs
1 C. brown sugar
1-1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. ground allspice
1-1/2 t. vanilla extract
1 loaf (about 10 C.) diced cinnamon brioche, challah or plain pound cake
1/2 C. golden raisins
1/4 C. diced crystallized ginger
Confectioners' sugar, for garnish

Steps:

For squash: Preheat the oven to 375. Cut the squash in quarters and remove the seeds. Brush the insides with a little oil and arrange on baking sheet, skin side up. Roast in the preheated oven until the squash is soft all the way through, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool. (This can be done 1-2 days ahead.) When the squash is cold, remove it from the skin and puree in food processor. You'll need 2-1/2 C. of squash puree for this recipe. If the mixture is dry while pureeing, add a ladleful of the pudding mixture. For the pudding: Preheat the oven to 350. In large bowl, combine the heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, spices and vanilla and mix well to combine. Mix in the pumpkin puree. Combine the bread, raisins and ginger in the baking dish. Pour the pudding mixture over the bread to cover and let sit for 15 min. Cook's Note: You may not use all of the filling. Add more filling if there's room in the dish once the bread has soaked. Bake in the preheated oven until the custard is set, about 20-25 min. To serve, spoon the pudding into bowls and sprinkle a dusting of confectioners' sugar on top.