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Monday, September 2, 2013

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

First of all, thank you for all of your kind comments, prayers and love that you have shared after my dear hubby's passing.  It is so appreciated to be thought of and consoled.  Two sentences that I have found helpful from the book Healing Grief, Finding Peace is "He or she would want you to have a good life for his or her sake.  Keep that reason alive in your heart." 

Since my dear hubby's passing,  the angels here on earth have nourished my family with wonderful meals.  I haven't had to cook, other than breakfast and lunch, in weeks.  Yet I still had the urge to make some comfort food of my own. The temperatures are still in the 100's here in Texas, and I'm having some freshly squeezed lemonade in my Dollar Tree goblet, with my bread pudding.  Some dear friends gave me some helpful books to read, which you can see below.  I normally read them on the patio in the early evening, when it's cooler.


 This is one of the lovely baskets that came home after my sweetheart's Memorial Service



The forget-me-knot plate was painted by my late Aunt Kitty. 
Comfort food is on the menu and one that I've loved since I was a little girl is bread pudding. The vanilla sauce is a wonderful addition and I love that it's not made with heavy cream, as so many sauces are.  After having a spinach salad for lunch, I had this as my dessert.   If you're ever in the need of some comfort food, here's my adapted recipe from Taste of Home:
  • BREAD PUDDING:
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups scalded milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4-1/2 to 5 cups, leftover Italian or French bread, cut up
  • 1/2 cup raisins, optional
  • VANILLA SAUCE:
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2/3 cups cold water
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ( I omitted)

Directions:

   In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Combine milk and butter; add to eggs along with sugar, spices and vanilla. Add bread cubes and raisins if desired; stir gently.

   Pour into a well-greased 8" square baking dish. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted 1" from edge comes out clean.

    Meanwhile, for sauce, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan. Stir in water until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in the butter, vanilla and nutmeg. Serve with warm pudding. Yield:6- 9 servings.

     Thank you for your prayers and visit.  xo





  I am sharing this with: 

46 comments:

  1. Hi Kitty,
    Your table looks so inviting today and that recipe is one that I must try. I love the angel in the beautiful basket of plants and that dainty forget me not plate that your auntie painted. I have been thinking about you and hoping that you are okay. So nice to see your blog again. Take care,
    Karen

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  2. Such a beautiful post, Kitty, and you are a truly beautiful person. That line you quoted is excellent advice. Very excellent advice. (((hugs))) xo P.S. this recipe is a keeper.

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  3. Bread pudding and lemonade sounds yummy and I can't believe how hot it is in Texas again this summer; you must thrive on air conditioning in your homes and stores.
    Good advice to keep in mind as you carry on with your life, that is a nice basket of plants for you to nurture in the coming days.
    Judith

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  4. Kitty:

    I hope you will share this post at Tea In The Garden too. You have given some good advice here. Even in Downtown Abbey Isabel says something similar to that to Matthew when his fiance passes. I have thought about you a lot lately and what you have faced and my prayers continue!

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  5. Hi Kitty!

    My thoughts are with you, dear sweet lady.

    I have never made bread pudding, my big brother's favorite - going to have to do that with you tried-and-true recipe - been years since I've eaten it - and that vanilla sauce MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM good!

    Thank you for sharing. Glad you're back, sweetie. Hugs.

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  6. Kitty, wishing you peace and tranquillity. Love your vanilla sauce - if you have time/energy would you add it to the vanilla collection over at my place (Carole's Chatter). Take care

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  7. Hi Kitty, Glad to see you back blogging. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Your table looks pretty and lemonade and bread pudding with vanilla sauce sounds great! Hope your weather cools off soon.
    Hugs, Beth

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  8. Yes dear Kitty, I always thought that our loved ones wouldn't rest in peace if we are suffering for them. I love it that you reminded us with such a beautiful quote. I'm so glad you're back, as we're all here to acompany you even if it's through this magical machine. Thank you for the wonderful recipe, I love bread pudding, but I'm trying yours, as I'm loving the sauce! Your reading setting outside is lovely.
    Keep strong and many blessings Darling Kitty.
    FABBY

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  9. Kitty, I was just thinking of you and then your blog post showed up. Glad you are back to blogging. Rich must be smiling too. Very excellent advice and books. I love bread pudding, and my grandpa always wanted my gram to make it. xo

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  10. Your bread pudding sounds great Kitty! While not 100 degrees, summer has returned to Philly too. That's a great quote for all of us to remember:@)

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  11. How wonderful to see a post from you, Kitty! {{{HUGS}}} You've been missed!
    I'm glad to hear that friends & family have been taking good care of you.
    That angel in the plant basket looks like one from Jim Shore...very touching.

    The bread pudding looks scrumptious & like Michele, I've never made it.
    I guess I'll stop complaining about our hot weather after hearing about YOURS! 100º...Yikes!

    I wish I would have know about that book, for my sister, when her DH passed away. I just requested it from the library.

    Take good care of yourself, okay?

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  12. Yes, this heat is getting to me! I'm so glad you shared this recipe ~ I do love bread pudding. I'm glad there are so many taking care of you too! You're always in my heart and in my prayers.

    xo
    Pat

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  13. Welcome back Sweet Kitty!!! Thankful to know you felt like posting again...and such a luscious recipe too. Comfort food is in order for sure. The angel in the planter is beautiful. I'm so glad to know you have found some great books to help you through the grieving process. I.JUST.LOOOOVE Chicken Soup for the Soul books. They inspire, encourage, uplift and soothe. I know reading the Surviving Soul will bless you. I am presently reading CC for Military Wive's Soul. You are often in my thoughts and prayers. Keep looking up Dear. Sending big HUGS across the miles. XO

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  14. Hello my sweet friend,
    I am so happy to have you join me for tea this week. Your bread pudding and sauce look incredible. One of my favourite desserts! That is a beautiful leafy basket and you have offered some wonderful advice. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Take care, Kitty, and know that we all love you and wish you every sweet blessing from the Father above.

    Love & hugs,
    Sandi

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  15. Hi Kitty,
    I am so happy that you are able to share your peaceful patio table with us. It has been so very hot here but it is good to be able to sit outside with nature and feel the peace that is offered to us. I am so like you, that Bread Pudding would be speaking to my soul, it is truly soul comfort food. You are such an example of strength to us all and you continue to be in our prayers.
    Love and Hugs!
    Miz Helen

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  16. Keep on cookin', ms Kitty!!! I find it to be the very best therapy for all things that ail ya. So glad you're back with us....still sending prayers.

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  17. You bread pudding recipe sounds wonderful especially on such a pretty plate. Your posting is so great to read.

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  18. Hi Kitty~ Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. So glad you have had friends and loved ones looking out for you. Comfort food is definitely in order, your bread pudding looks delicious :)

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  19. A must try, my hubby loves bread pudding! Thanks for sharing. What a great outpouring of love for you during this difficult time. You have special friends!! Take it one day at a time

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  20. Dear, sweet Kitty,

    You are an inspiration to us all. I think the quote you shared with us is a very meaningful one. It's truly wonderful how the angels on earth are feeding you and your family.

    You've created another pretty vignette this week. I love the lace cloth on the table, and I especially love the forget-me-not plate painted by your aunt. They are such beautiful flowers; when we were in England, the place where we stayed had them growing all around the garden. Your bread pudding looks delicious, Kitty; bread pudding is one of my very favorite desserts. I make a very simple one with raisins; it's so moist and it truly is comfort food.

    I'm still thinking of you and praying for you daily. You're very dear to all of us.

    Special hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  21. I am terribly sorry for your loss, Kitty. I just said a prayer for your hubby, I know he is resting in peace, being a good and loving family man as he was.

    Your table is so beautiful and peaceful. Love the angel. I have been looking for a good recipe for a bread pudding and vanilla topping and now, I have something to try. Thanks...Christine

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  22. I am so glad you are being comforted by loved ones. Your bread pudding sounds and looks delicious...the memorial basket is dear.
    Hugs of love,
    Terri

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  23. Kitty dear, I know it must be so difficult losing your sweet hubby. I admire your courage and strength. May you and your family continue to have healing thoughts and prayers. Your table is lovely and the bread pudding sounds wonderful. Take care of yourself and know you are loved! Hugs and XO Linda

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  24. Kitty, I am sorry that I am so late in commenting on this sweet post. I have been trying to catch-up on everything, since returning from taking the oldest granddaughter back to school. You know that I have had you in my thoughts each and every day and I love seeing that you are cooking, again. If you weren't, what would I do for inspiration??? The bread pudding looks so yummy and like the perfect comfort food. I cannot wait to try it!!

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  25. Kitty, I am so very sorry about your husband.. I have been so sporadic about my blogging and I didn't know...but I am praying for you now. for comfort and peace....
    I always love your blog and your sweetness...
    Love, Mona

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  26. I admire your strength Kitty, and I am so glad you are back in blogland~ we need all the wonderful sweets you always share, and here you are giving us another delicious and tempting recipe, thank you so much and many prayers for you and your family,
    Jenna

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  27. Kitty, it's good to see a post from you. I know the days must be long, and I'm glad to know that everyone is there for you. Bread pudding and fresh squeezed lemon aid sound refreshing. 102 here again today. I'm ready for some cooler days!
    Thanks for sharing and know that you are close in my thoughts. Love ~ Sarah

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  28. I agree with Jenna, I admire your strength, Kitty! You are being such a beautiful pillar of strength during this time - you are amazing!

    Your recipe looks delicious (like always). My husband LOVES bread pudding so I will definitely be making this sometime for his enjoyment. Thank you, friend, for sharing.

    Hugs to you!

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  29. Bread pudding is a favorite of mine. Yours looks yummy, especially with the vanilla sauce! I'll have to give it a try. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  30. Kitty, I am so sad to hear this! I have been so out of touch. I am so sorry. You of course will be in my prayers. I don't even know what to say, but that I am touched. Hugs and hugs from miles away and may you continue to feel peace at such a difficult time.
    Your bread pudding looks wonderful and yes, it is such a comfort food. I had Pioneer Woman's breakfast casserole and I said, this is just bread pudding being served for breakfast - yum!

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  31. I know this is a tough time for you. I admire your spirit and I am keeping you in my prayers. Your bread pudding looks like the perfect comfort meal.

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  32. This looks divine...I love a good bread pudding! This would be great to link-up to Create It Thursday for this week…it's live now! Hope you'll join us!

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  33. Hi Kitty, you are amazing. Still making the time to make sure all of our little tummies are full. Looks so good. That is such a beautiful basket and the angel is so perfect..Take care of yourself, Judy

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  34. I have been thinking of you every day and hoping you had a lot of loving support, and it sounds like you are very blessed. Hugs -Jennifer PS email me your address I want to send you something jhta1@aol.com!!

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  35. Kitty, sending up prayers of love and comfort for you. May our Saviors arms make you always feel save, loved and protected as you walk through this time in your life. We are so happy to see you back at Weekend Potluck today!!

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  36. Hi Kitty, I have been thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. Your quote is one I have also used to help with difficult times. Thank you for sharing this comfort food recipe. Bread pudding was one of my dad's favorite desserts. Linda

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  37. Hi Kitty,
    I love how our family and friends sweep in to provide. I'm so sorry for your loss. I just know he would want you to be happy and look forward to the time you are reunited. Baking some comfort food is a good thing! :) Blessings my friend!

    Thank you for joining in for Fresh-Cut Friday! :)

    ~Liz

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  38. You have been in my prayers. This is such a difficult time, but I love that you have shared a fabulous recipe with us. Bread pudding, one of my favorites. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  39. Kitty, your "can do" spirit will get you through this, although I know it will be difficult. I believe you are one of those people who find comfort in cooking. If I could cook like you, I'd find comfort in it too. That bread pudding looks so delicious, and that hand-painted plate is beautiful. Hang in there, Kitty. Sending a big hug your way. laurie

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  40. Bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts! The vanilla sauce is so awesome with it! Thanks for posting this over at Miz Helens link party. I have pinned it, liked it, and g+ed it. Thanks so much! Deb @ Kneaded Creations

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  41. Kitty- Oddly, as a blogger, I feel awkward when finding the words I want to say. So I'll just say I've been praying for you. I am thankful to see that you have wonderful friends and family supporting you. Your patio looks like a lovely retreat...especially with that refreshing lemonade. Blessings and prayers, D@TheShadyPorch

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  42. Hi, Kitty girl...
    Bread pudding !!!!! One of my favorite things in the world and my son loves it with a passion.
    Thanks so much for this great recipe...I am going to make it for tonight at our home fellowship gathering. I think I've mentioned to you before that my friends LOVE all the recipes of yours that I make for them. So, tonight, not only will I add your name to our group prayer list, you will probably get a standing ovation after they have a dish of your bread pudding. :)))
    xoxo
    *by the way, dear heart....have you published a cook book? If so, I want to buy one...
    if not.....WHY not ???
    I've not tried one single recipe of yours that wasn't just delicious.....a cookbook, sold thru Amazon or something like it, would be such a hit.

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  43. Hi Kitty, yes I agree that your hubby would want you to have a good and happy life. And I must tell you I simply LOVE bread pudding! And with caramel sauce, oh my! Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  44. I'm laughing at myself now. The sauce was vanilla, not caramel. Still, oh my!

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  45. Bread pudding brings back memories of my mom, she made it often, that and rice pudding.

    I hope you are surrounded by love and have a few shoulders to cry on, it is good to let it out!

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  46. Hi Kitty, thanks so much for sharing this wonderful recipe! This looks like a real winner! I am new to you and your blog and I am now following you on GFC! Even though I do not know you I just want to say that i am sorry for the passing of your husband. I look forward to getting to know you.
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

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