Pilgrim Pudding Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the bread cubes on a sheet pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 5 minutes, until starting to brown. Stir in the leeks and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the leeks are tender. Stir in the mushrooms, tarragon, sherry, 1 tablespoon salt and 11/2 teaspoons pepper and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally. Off the heat, stir in the parsley.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, chicken stock and 1 cup of the Gruyere. Add the bread cubes and mushroom mixture, stirring well to combine. Set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Stir well and pour into a 2 1/2-to-3-quart gratin dish (13 x 9 x 2 inches). Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Gruyere and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is browned and the custard is set. Serve hot.

Steps:

• Cut a slit into (but not through) each plum; remove pits. Fill cavity of each plum with 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Close plum before wrapping in dough. Use 1 plum for each pierogi.
• Mix together sour cream, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Serve chilled. Makes 1 cup.

Steps:

• Make the caramel apples: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the liquid is reduced but saucy with the consistency of chunky applesauce, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, make the whipped cream: In a large bowl, using a large whisk or an electric mixer, whisk the cream, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt until soft peaks form. (When you lift the whisk out of the bowl and turn it whisk-side up, a peak of cream should flop over onto itself.) Don't overbeat; you're looking for a soft-set whipped cream that drapes rather than plops.
• Assemble the pudding: In a medium bowl or other serving vessel (preferably clear), arrange one-third of the vanilla wafers at the bottom, top with half of the caramel apples, then spread with half of the whipped cream. Repeat these layers once more and end with a final sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top. (If you want crunch, save this final sprinkle for right before serving.) Cover and refrigerate until the cookies are soft, about 8 hours and up to 24 hours.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400ºF.
• Unroll pie crust onto parchment-covered baking sheet; roll to 12-inch round.
• Mix dry pudding mix and cinnamon in large bowl until blended. Add fruit, nuts and 2 Tbsp. water; mix lightly. Spoon onto crust to within 2 inches of edge; fold edge of pastry over fruit mixture. (Fruit in center will remain uncovered.)
• Beat egg and remaining water with fork until blended; brush onto crust. (Discard any remaining egg wash.) Sprinkle crust with sugar.
• Bake 30 to 35 min. or until fruit is tender and crust is golden brown. Cool completely.