Baked Apple Pudding

BAKED APPLE PUDDING

Steamed puddings have fallen out of fashion but try this oven-baked pudding - a light, apple-based dessert that will be enjoyed by young and old as a grand finale to a Christmas dinner. With it, you can serve a caramel sauce and a crème anglaise or just plain old-fashioned ice cream.
Ingredients:
Caramel
1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 mL) water

Filling
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
1/2 cup (125 mL) brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cranberries
1/2 cup (125 mL) pecans
2 tart apples, peeled and chopped
Grated zest and juice of 1 orange
1/2 cup (125 mL) apple cider
1/4 cup (50 mL) flour
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) fresh breadcrumbs
Pinch salt
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a stainless steel or ovenproof china bowl about 6 cups (1.5 L) in size.

Combine sugar and water in heavy pot on medium heat. Heat until sugar has melted, bring to a boil and boil for 5 to 7 minutes or until caramel turns a golden color. Pour into prepared bowl, swirling to coat. Reserve.

Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in cranberries, pecans, apples, orange zest and juice and apple cider.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, salt and cinnamon. Stir half of flour mixture into apple mixture until well blended then blend in remaining mixture.

Turn into the prepared bowl and cover with foil. Place in roasting pan. Pour hot water reaching halfway up sides of the bowl. Bake in centre of oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 45 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let cool slightly and turn out onto a serving plate. Serve warm or cold.





Serves 6