United Kingdom Bread Pudding with Nutmeg

United Kingdom Bread Pudding with Nutmeg

Ingredients:

8 slices of stale bread (white or wholemeal)
2 cups milk
2 large eggs
½ cup sugar (caster or brown sugar)
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
2 tbsp butter (melted)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
A pinch of salt
Instructions:

Prepare the Bread: Start by tearing the stale bread into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for about 30 minutes until the bread is soft and fully absorbed.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with a little butter.

Mix the Ingredients: After the bread has soaked, mash it with a fork or your hands until it forms a thick, mushy consistency. Add the eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, dried fruit, melted butter, lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined.

Bake the Pudding: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the middle.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, often with a drizzle of custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.