Who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy, comforting vanilla pudding? This humble dessert has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when it was made with custard powder or cornstarch, milk, and vanilla. Today, it’s a beloved treat worldwide, known for its soothing taste and velvety texture. Making it at home is a breeze, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about stirring the pot and watching the mixture thicken into a custard. Plus, the aroma of vanilla wafting through your kitchen is hard to beat! I love this recipe because it uses simple, everyday ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. It’s also versatile – enjoy it hot or cold, on its own or with toppings of your choice. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 3/4 c. sugar
- 2 c. milk, scalded
- 5 round Tbsp. flour
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- dash of salt
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Cooking Method
- Scald milk.
- Mix sugar, flour and salt together.
- Add to scalded milk in heavy pan or double boiler.
- Stir constantly. Cook until thick; add slightly beaten eggs and cook 2 minutes more.
- Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla.
- Stir until smooth and butter melts.
Calorie: 300
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Welcome to the World of Vanilla Pudding
Hey there, pudding people! Today, we’re jumping headfirst into the sweet, creamy world of vanilla pudding. No, it’s not an adventure. It’s a roller coaster of flavor, texture and good old fashioned fun – just without the scary height and the occasional upside-down loops.
Gathering the Warriors
Before we start our culinary roller coaster, we need to gather our brave warriors. We’re talking about 3/4 c. sugar (the sweet whisper of the dessert), 2 c. milk, scalded (the creamy backbone), 5 round Tbsp. flour (the thickening agent, our secret weapon), 2 eggs, slightly beaten (the binding force), a dash of salt (the unsung hero), 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine (the smooth operator), and 1 tsp. vanilla (the star of the show!).
Scalding Milk: Not as Scary as it Sounds
First up, we need to scald the milk. Don’t worry, it’s not as harmful as it sounds. The milk isn’t going to scream, I promise. It’s just a fancy way of saying we need to heat it up until it’s nearly boiling. And remember, like a sunbathing beach-goer, we don’t want the milk to actually boil. We’re going for a nice warm glow, not full lobster.
Mix and Match
Next, we’re going to mix our sugar, flour, and salt together. It’s like a little get-together where everyone becomes best friends. It’s also when you realize that your kitchen is a mini dust storm with flour flying everywhere. Remember, it’s not a mess, it’s proof of your culinary prowess!
The Thickening Plot… I Mean, Pudding
With our milk nicely warmed and our dry ingredients well-acquainted, it’s time to introduce them. We’re adding the dry mix to the scalded milk in a heavy pan or double boiler. This is where the plot thickens, literally. Keep stirring constantly, like a witch over her cauldron. We want a smooth, thick mixture, not a lumpy horror show.
Eggs Join the Party
Now, it’s time to invite the eggs to our pudding party. But remember, we want them slightly beaten, not knocked out cold. We add these into the mix and cook for 2 more minutes. It’s like a sauna session for the eggs, they come out all warm and transformed.
Butter & Vanilla: The Final Touch
We’re almost there, folks. It’s time to remove the pan from the heat and invite the last two guests to the party: butter and vanilla. Add them to the mix and stir until smooth and the butter melts. The vanilla is like the perfume of the pudding, making everything smell divine, and the butter, oh the butter, it makes everything better.
Smooth Operator
And there we have it! Our vanilla pudding, smooth and creamy, ready to be devoured. Remember, the journey to pudding perfection isn’t always smooth (especially if you forgot to keep stirring and ended up with a few lumps). But that’s part of the fun of cooking. It’s not just about the destination, it’s about the hilarious detours, the unexpected road bumps and the sweet, sweet victory at the end.
So, grab your spoons and dig in! After all, life is uncertain. Eat dessert first!
