A recipe that's not!

I occasionally make a good old-fashioned Bread Pudding, (not a Bread and Butter pudding).  I make it the same way that my Nan and my Mom made it, with not a pair of scales in site.  So that's why it's not really a recipe, more of the feel for it.

First of all use up any left-over stale bread, today I had just over half a loaf, I roughly break it up and place it in a large bowl.

Then cover with cold water, and leave to soak for half an hour or so.

Tip the whole lot into a colander, and then (this is the best bit!) squeeze out most of the water, breaking it up as you go.

Then, tip back into the mixing bowl and add some sugar to sweeten. 

(Probably less than a quarter amount in mass)  I used Golden Granulated Sugar as that was to hand.

Then add dried fruit, any sort that you like.  I use mixed fruit with candid peel.  I have used enough to generously cover the mixture.

Now add enough flour to bind, I use SR flour, but plain would do.

Give it a quick mix

Then I add suet, if you prefer you can add butter.

Than I add two (or three if a larger mix) eggs

Mix together to a heavy dropping consistency

Tip the mixture into a greased tin, or line with silicon paper as I do!  Sprinkle with a little granulated sugar - my friend spreads marmalade on instead.

Bake at approx 180 deg. C for about an hour, checking after about 40 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

When cool slice and serve with a nice cuppa.

Once cold, store in an air tight container, it will keep - but I bet it doesn't ;o)

I prefer mine to be more of a cake like consistency than the slimy lump that is often sold in bakers shops....

Sorry I can't be more definite with quantities.  Hope you have a go at making it, if you do let me know what you think.

Have a great week.

Best wishes