Caramel Apple Pudding

Here is a very simple milk-based pudding, made rich and unusual by the caramelized apples folded into it. The caramelized apples are also quite easy to do; the one thing I would note is that you should be careful not to let the caramel get to dark before the butter and apples are added - it will continue to darken for a number of seconds more, which given how quickly caramel goes from perfect to burnt is a consideration. Let there be definite brown colour throughout, but don't let it go further than that. 

As ever, whipped cream would have been fabulous with this. Next time I might also soak a few raisins in rum and add them to the caramelized apples for the last few minutes that they cook, but this was certainly just fine as it was.

4 to 6 servings
40 minutes prep time

Make the Caramel Apple Sauce:
4 medium apples
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Peel, core and slice the apples.

Put the sugar and water into a fairly large (2 quart) heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring, until the sugar caramelizes. Do not let it get too dark; it will continue to cook a little as the butter and apples are added. So; add the butter and apples and stir well. Be careful - it will foam up and may splash about. Once the apples are well mixed in and the caramel is dissolved in their juice, let it simmer, stirring regularly, until the apples are tender and perhaps starting to fall apart. Remove from the heat and set aside. 

Make the Pudding:
4 tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon rum (optional)

In a similar pot, mix the starch, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Slowly mix in the milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from the heat; if you want to flavour it with the rum stir it in now.

Mix the caramel apple sauce into the pudding and divide the pudding amongst 4 to 6 individual serving bowls (nappies).

Posted in: Ontario Food