Delicious and Nutritious: Healthy Food Recipes
Are you ready to try something new and exciting in the world of pudding recipes? Look no further than the Crow’s Nest Pudding Recipe, a vintage recipe straight out of Weymouth with origins dating back to the early 1900s. This classic dessert is made with tart green apples, brown sugar, and a mixture of all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking powder, and cornstarch.
What sets this recipe apart is its unique nest-like appearance, which earned it the name “Crow’s Nest Pudding.” The crow’s nest is achieved by placing spoonfuls of the batter on top of a layer of seasoned apples, forming a bird’s nest-like shape upon baking. It not only looks impressive but also delivers delicious flavors that will make any dessert lover’s taste buds dance with joy.
The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and was famously featured in Grandma Jenine’s cookbook. So why not take a step back in time and indulge in this classic dish that will surely become a family favorite? Join me as we dive into the world of Crow’s Nest Pudding and unlock its secrets for ourselves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in the mouth-watering goodness of the Crow’s Nest Pudding Recipe that has been passed down for generations in the Weymouth family. This recipe is a true gem and will make its way to your heart through your taste buds in no time. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, this recipe is made using tart green apples, which gives it a tangy flavor combined with a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar, making it an irresistible dessert. The texture of the apples adds a crunchy feel to it that compliments the creamy pudding base perfectly.
Secondly, the Crow’s Nest Pudding Recipe contains simple and easy-to-find ingredients such as all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and milk- staples that you most likely have in your pantry already. If you are not fond of using margarine, feel free to use butter instead.
Thirdly, this recipe yields a generous quantity so that you can share it with your family and friends at gatherings or make-ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Lastly, by making this recipe, you’ll be able to rekindle past memories and pay homage to an ancient creation that has been part of American heritage cuisine for over a century. Not only is Crow’s Nest Pudding Recipe full of history and tradition but it also has an exciting story that comes with it.
In summary, you’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients but tastes incredible. Also, indulging in this recipe is playing a part in preserving and cherishing history and culture: So let’s get started with making your very own Crow’s Nest pudding!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to take a look at the ingredients required for this Crow’s Nest Pudding. This dessert is not only delicious but also easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 tart green apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons margarine or butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup milk
- Ground nutmeg
For the meringue topping:
- 3 egg whites
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the crow’s nest topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
These are all common items that you should be able to find at your local grocery store. Get them together before starting the recipe, and enjoy creating this unique and delicious dessert!
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get to the most exciting part, the recipe how-to.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: serves 6-8
Step 1: Make the Batter
First things first, let’s preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of margarine or butter with 3 cups of sugar, then add 3 eggs and mix well.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt before adding them to the butter mixture alternatively with 1½ cups of milk, stirring thoroughly.
Lastly, we need to fold in the zest of one lemon and a generous sprinkle of ground nutmeg.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and cut 6 tart green apples into small pieces and set them aside for now. In another bowl, mix together ¾ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and a quarter teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Then, stir in a quarter cup each of water and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
Add this mixture to the apples and toss until coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Take your favorite baking pan (a Bundt cake pan is recommended), grease it with some butter or margarine, then cover the bottom evenly with half of your prepared apple mixture. Pour over that one-third portion of the batter, making sure it covers all areas smoothly. Repeat these layers – apples, batter; apples, batter – until all ingredients are used up.
Step 4: Bake!
Once you’ve assembled your Crow’s Nest Pudding Cake, put it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour or until it passes the toothpick test. Remove from oven to cool for about five minutes before transferring it onto a serving plate.
That’s it! Your amazing Crow’s Nest Pudding Recipe is now ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Crow’s Nest Pudding is a traditional dessert that has been passed down from generation to generation. As such, many variations of the recipe have emerged over the years, each with its unique twist.
If you are looking to mix things up a bit, there are several substitutions and variations you can consider when making your version of Crow’s Nest Pudding. For instance, you may use different types of fruit instead of tart green apples. Try experimenting with peaches or blackberries for a more fruity twist.
You can also opt for margarine instead of butter or swap out some of the ingredients for healthier alternatives. For example, use almond milk instead of whole milk or reduce the amount of sugar and replace it with honey.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a smooth texture. You could also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or cloves to enhance the flavor profile.
Another tweak is adding lemon juice when cooking the apples for a zesty flavor, while lemon zest could be sprinkled on top for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
For those who enjoy custard-like desserts, substitute the apples used in standard pudding recipes with custard and top it off with whipped cream.
The possibilities for variation are endless. It mostly depends on your preference and imagination. Regardless of which angle you take with this recipe, the creamy, decadent texture will be in harmony with your taste buds– allow your creative power to come into play and start preparing your version.
Serving and Pairing
The crow’s nest pudding is a delightful dessert on its own, but it can be taken to the next level with some complimentary pairings. First off, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the top of the warm pudding to add a cooling element and some extra sweetness.
If you want to really impress your guests, try serving the crow’s nest pudding with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These additions not only enhance the flavor, but also add an attractive visual component that will make your dessert table look even more elegant.
For those looking for a healthier alternative, try pairing the crow’s nest pudding with fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or berries. Additionally, you can also serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy finishing touch to your meal.
Overall, this versatile dessert can be paired with a variety of toppings and drinks, making it easy to customize it to suit any occasion or taste preference. So go ahead and get creative!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to creating the perfect crows nest pudding, you may wonder about preparing it ahead of time, as well as how to store and reheat it. Fortunately, this pudding recipe is quite accommodating in that regard.
If you’re looking for a dessert recipe that can be made ahead of time, the crow’s nest pudding is a great option. After baking the pudding, allow it to cool fully before covering tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store your pudding in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving.
When you’re ready to serve your chilled crow’s nest pudding, take it out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help bring the pudding back to its original texture and flavor. To reheat individual servings, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
Now, for those who prefer a warm dessert straight out of the oven, you can also choose to bake your pudding in advance and reheat portions as needed. To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place your desired amount of pudding in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
An important note: when reheating any dish, including crows nest pudding, always make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming to ensure safe consumption.
Whether you’re making crows nest pudding ahead of time or needing to store leftovers, this recipe proves versatile enough to meet all your needs without sacrificing taste and texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
The perfect Crow’s Nest Pudding is all about texture and taste, but with so many ingredients and steps in the recipe, it can be challenging to get it right. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that your pudding comes out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips for making the best Crow’s Nest Pudding.
First, make sure to sift your flour before using it. Sifting helps to remove any clumps in the flour and aerates it, resulting in a lighter batter. It also ensures that your measurements are more accurate and consistent, which is essential in baking.
Another essential tip is to mix the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients before combining them. This method ensures that everything is evenly combined and minimizes the risk of over-mixing. Over-mixing can cause your pudding to become tough and chewy.
When incorporating the egg whites into the batter, make sure they are at room temperature. Room temperature egg whites whip up more easily and smoothly than cold egg whites, resulting in better peaks. To achieve stiff peaks, add a pinch of cream of tartar when whipping the egg whites.
It’s also important to use fresh lemon juice and zest for that tart kick in each bite. If possible, grate the zest just before adding it to the pudding as it tends to lose its flavor quickly once exposed to air.
Lastly, be patient when baking your pudding. Do not be tempted to take it out of the oven too soon as it takes time for the center to cook thoroughly. To test if your pudding is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, you know it’s done.
By following these tips, you will undoubtedly end up with a perfect Crow’s Nest Pudding every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying out this scrumptious Crow’s Nest Pudding recipe. Not only is it a vintage recipe that has stood the test of time, but it also has a unique and delightful taste that is sure to impress your family and friends.
With the blend of tart green apples, nutmeg, lemon zest and other wholesome ingredients, this pudding will leave you feeling satisfied with its rich and mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to cooking, this recipe can easily be followed to achieve perfect results every time.
So why not step outside of your comfort zone and try something new? Give this Crow’s Nest Pudding recipe a chance and indulge in its sweet and tangy taste. Trust me; your taste buds won’t regret it!
Crow’s Nest Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tart green apples, peeled and cored
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 egg whites
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons margarine or 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 lemon, zest of
- 8 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Butter a 2 quart baking dish.
- Place apples in prepared dish.
- Stuff the core of each apple with brown sugar, pressing down slightly.
- Reserve any remaining sugar.
- Sprinkle all the apples with the 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
- Place dish in preheated oven to start baking while the batter is prepared.
- Beat egg whites until stiff.
- In a separate bowl, beat yolks until they change color.
- Stir milk and maple flavoring into beaten yolks.
- In a third bowl, combine flour, cream of tartar, baking powder, salt and any remaining brown sugar until well mixed.
- Pour flour mixture all at once into egg yolk mixture and stir until smooth.
- Fold beaten egg whites into yolk batter.
- Remove apples from oven and pour batter evenly over and around apples.
- Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes more, until crust has browned.
- Turn each apple, surrounded by some fluffy crust onto a plate and serve at once with lemon sauce or sweetened cream with a dash of nutmeg.
- To make lemon sauce:Combine cornstarch, water, lemon peel and lemon juice in a small heavy saucepan.
- Beat in egg.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and clear.
- Stir in margarine and sugar.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.