Panettone, the iconic Italian sweet bread, is often celebrated during the holiday season. But what if we could transform this festive treat into a comforting, indulgent dessert? Enter the Panettone Bread pudding, a symphony of flavors that marries the rich traditions of Italian baking with the warmth of classic American comfort food.
Ingredients:
1 loaf stale Panettone, cubed
Preparation Process:
1. Prep the Panettone: Cut the stale Panettone into 1-inch cubes. If your Panettone is fresh, you can dry it out slightly in a low oven or by leaving it out overnight.
2. Create the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cubed Panettone to the custard mixture and toss to coat evenly. If using raisins or nuts, add them now and stir to combine.
4. Prepare for Baking: Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the Panettone mixture into it.
5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Total Time Required:
Serving Ideas:
Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A Fusion of Cultures
This Panettone Bread Pudding is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It draws inspiration from the rich history of Italian baking, where Panettone has been a beloved holiday treat for centuries. The addition of a creamy custard, a classic American dessert technique, elevates the dish to new heights. By combining these two distinct culinary traditions, we create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to delight the palate.
