Fruit-Studded Cornmeal Pudding

Fruit-Studded Cornmeal Pudding

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Old-fashioned dessert gets a kick from fruit.


Ingredients:

  • 4 cups milk or non-dairy alternative
  • ⅔ cup stone-ground cornmeal
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ cup fancy molasses
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Dried fruit of choice, such as cherries

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching, until boiling. Gradually whisk in cornmeal in a steady stream. Cook, stirring, until mixture begins to thicken and bubbles like lava, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine eggs with about 1⁄2 cup of the hot cornmeal, beating until combined. Gradually return to pot, mixing well. Stir in butter, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Transfer to prepared stoneware.
  3. Place a tea towel folded in half (so you will have two layers) over top of stoneware to absorb moisture. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, until set. About half an hour before the pudding has finished cooking, stir in 1⁄2 cup dried fruit of your choice.
  4. Spoon into individual serving bowls and top with fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if using.