Sunday, January 3, 2010

Grape Nuts Pudding

My brother, Grant, gave me a beautiful set of Le Creuset  custard/pudding/baking cups, good from freezer to oven, for Christmas.  When he presented the package, all bedecked in a golden foil wrap, with iridescent snowflakes and a red bow, he was legless with laughter.  He told me that there was a story that went with them, and of course, I,  (being his older, cynical, but not ungracious sister)  assumed that he (ever frugal and pragmatic but still thoughtful in an irascible way) was regifting or bought the gift at a yardsale.  By that time he he was laughing so hard he was gasping for breath, and left me with a package that sat, unopened until Christmas day.  I loved them as soon as I saw them; and when he called to see how much I liked my gift, he was still laughing.  It seems that only one of his daughters wanted this set, and for whatever reason, both his daughters and I received these, plus he bought them at a reduced price.  I guess that makes up for all the times I used to buy both brothers identical (but in different colors) gifts, whether it was clothes or calculators, grins. 

Sooo....since I have these really great baking cups, I needed to put them to use right away, and decided on a recipe I haven't had in ages, Grape Nuts Pudding.  It's an old timey recipe, one often associated with New England (though I'm under the assumption that it is enjoyed across this great continent of ours), and one that my grandmother used to make.  I looked in her tattered recipe book; and she had a handwritten recipe for it, but without a comment.  Usually she'd notate that "the family loved this" or some such thought to bring her back to it.  There was no notation, but I tried the recipe and was disappointed.  Guess my sainted grandmother thought if she couldn't find something nice to say, she wouldn't say anything.

One of the best Grape Nuts puddings I ever had was at a little family style restaurant on Court Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the restaurant, probably Pilgrim something or other, but they had just the right Grape Nuts to custard ratio and a sprinkling of cinnamon. And the Grape Nuts were suspended in the custard, not like other recipes I've tried where they all sank to the bottom.

Well, I'll tell you what.  I think I've found as near a perfect recipe as I'm going to.  It's a little gem I discovered on Epicurean.com and I'm loving it.  The ratio of Grape Nuts to custard is a little too much for my taste (the next time I will reduce the Grape Nuts to probably one-half cup instead of the three-quarters) and  I definitely do not use raisins.  Gads, that would be like adding raisins to Indian Pudding.

This recipe is a snap to put together, economical,  and is just a delightful little dessert that's warm and comforting.

Here's the recipe. 

Grape Nuts Pudding

3/4 cup Grape Nuts cereal (not the flakes)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of cinnamon and nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Have ready a pan that is larger than your casserole (cassoulets) to hold the dish as hot water is going to be added to the pan.  The pudding will bake in a hot water bath.

In a small bowl, melt the butter and add the Grape Nuts cereal; set aside.

In a one-quart casserole, mix together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla  (I used individual cassoulets so mixed my wet ingredients in a large measuring cup).  Add the Grape Nut mixture.  Add milk, spices, and vanilla.

Place casserole in the pan of hot water, making sure that the water is about 2/3 of the way up the side of the dish.

Carefully place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.  Stir.  (This is important if you want your Grape Nuts throughout the custard.)

Bake 20 minutes more. Exercise caution because the water the pudding was baked in is going to be hot, remove the pan from the oven.  Remove the casserole dish from the pan of hot water.  Sprinkle pudding with a little additional cinnamon and nutmeg, if desired.  Serve warm or cold.  Whipped cream on top is a very nice touch.

62 comments:

  1. Your dishes are beautiful!
    I've heard of Grape Nuts pudding but never made it--it does look really delicious, especially with the whipped cream!

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  2. Your grape nuts pudding looks truly delicious!

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  3. Love the dishes Katy! I used to dress my kids alike...and they hated it...the worst part? They weren't twins. ;o)

    Your pudding sounds really yummy. I've looked at this recipe before but have never made it because I don't keep grape-nuts around the house.

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  4. I love Grape-nuts and have had them hot, but never in a custard. Yum!

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  5. I love the Christmas gift!! I always loved grape-nuts growing up, but I don't remember the last time I ate them. I've never even heard of this pudding, but it sounds yummy!

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  6. This sounds fantastic and I've got some Grape Nuts in my pantry so I think I'm gonna have to try it! :)

    I had to smile at your comment, "Gads, that would be like adding raisins to Indian Pudding." Since I LOVE raisins, you won't think any less of me if I add them, will you? (lol)

    Have a blessed upcoming week and thank you for the new, old-timey recipe. These are some of the very best!!

    Lisa

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  7. I am really loving the new header!!!

    and isn't getting new cookware a hoot!!!

    you made good use of them

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  8. I grew up on GrapeNuts (it was the only cereal at my grandpa's house). I LOVE the idea of making it a pudding!

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  9. Beautiful header Katy! Lovely dishes..great gift from your brother. This pudding looks delicious but is it safe to say I have never tried grape nuts cereal??

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  10. What fabulous baking cups! My sister loved grape nuts when we were growing up and I could never understand why - I wouldn't touch them. But my tastes have changed and I appreciate them a lot more - this looks good - so comforting. I'll have to make it for my sis.

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  11. I love the new look of the blog. That bread is unbelievable.

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  12. I've never heard of this dish, but it sure sounds interesting! I've only tried grape nuts a few times and they hurt my teeth...ha! But I'll bet the custard softens them up a bit. Love the new baking cups too..nice :)

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  13. LOL, your brothers sounds like mine! :)

    I've not heard of that pudding but it looks good so long as there are NO raisins in it. Raisins, EW! :)
    ~ingrid

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  14. Its a new recipe to me....Looks great...

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  15. Im so envious of yor lovely custard cups! I need to get some of those aswell.

    Im going to try and see if I can even find grape nuts here..they are big on eating the muesli wich Im not really into. I would love to try this though..Im going to check when I go to the store tomorrow:)

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  16. ::Sigh:: Brothers. Can't live with them. Or without them.

    Sounds like a great gift! I need a set of good ramekins and/or custard cups.

    I've never had grape nut pudding. Tragically enough. But now at least you've done all the hard work to get the ratios perfect!

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  17. Ive made a grape nuts ice cream that I enjoy, this sounds delicious too. Nice idea!

    I love the new blog look! Welcoming and so pretty.

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  18. Love your new header Katy. The pudding cups are pretty. Happy New Year and I look forward to visiting you often in 2010.

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  19. I've never heard of Grape Nuts pudding, but it sounds delicious, since I used to adore Grape Nuts. I'd leave the raisens out, as I don't enjoy them cooked in any dish. I love this old timey dish, Katy!
    Your bread in your new header is calling my name too! :)

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  20. Great new look for 2010! I haven't had grape nuts in years, but I do remember my mom making a pudding. Your's looks delicious.
    Mimi

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  21. I haven't had grape nuts in years--they bring back fond memories of my childhood and the many sleepovers we had at my grandparent's house! I've never heard of grape nuts pudding, but it looks delicious!

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  22. I love this and never heard of it before.
    Joyce

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  23. Definitely a gift I'd like to receive too! I've never had nor heard of Grape Nut Pudding but it looks delicious, especially with cream on top.

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  24. this is actually making me crave grape nuts, i used to eat them every morning as a kid. what a fun spin on them!

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  25. I've never heard of Grape Nuts pudding, Katy, but I'll bet it is delicious. I know I have rediscovered custardy desserts in the last few years (rice pudding with chocolate chips -- mmm mmm!)-- there's just something so homey about them. Thanks for sharing this one. And happy new year to you, too!

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  26. Your bowls are terrific! :0)

    This is a wonderful little dessert. I've never heard of it but can't wait to try it. I'm a bit nervous though. I've never tried to make my own custard. Oh, and I agree about not using the raisins.

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  27. Oh I love Grape Nuts! This dessert sure does seem like a gem. Thanks for finding it for all of us!!!

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  28. What a wonderful brother you have. I haven't exchanged gifts with my brother for over 20 years...I'll trade brothers with you!!

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  29. I love love love your new header!!!!

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  30. Katy, this is just so irresistible! No wonder you can't cut down the sweet stuffs. haha... ! No choice I guess... have to try out the cups huh!

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  31. With cream on top, why not? I'm not on diet, I love it. lol your grape nuts pudding Katy looks lovely.
    Cheers

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  32. I have not ever heard of grape nut pudding...it looks and sounds amazing....You received a wonderful gift for sure.. :)

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  33. Oh I would love to see your grandmothers old recipe book. That is such a treasure. Lucky lady! I've never heard of Grape Nuts pudding but it does sound interesting! Looks good too!

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  34. Creamy, nutty, delectable. What a thoughtful, lovely gift and what a grand way to use them!

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  35. I would have never known that you can add grape nuts to custard. I guess the added crunch is a nice change in a creamy custard. I like it!!!
    You can replace your grandmother's recipe with the new one that you found with a notation :-)
    I like those baking cups!

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  36. You lucky duck! Those are some gorgeous little bowls, I can can imagine how much you like/love them!

    The pudding looks great, we kind of do a simlar thing with a parfait and granola.

    Happy New Year Katy!

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  37. Loved ur dishes Katty Looks great

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  38. Such a thoughtful gift. I was never blessed with having a brother in my life.I think I would have loved having a brother.Such a sweetheart he is. Family is such a precious gift that has been given to us.I have never been a big fan of grape nuts,but after seeing this yummy dish I certainly have changed my mind. It looks absolutely yummy. I must say that all your recipes look yummy. Great job you do here.

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  39. You got a great gift! And you put it in great use too. Your pudding sounds delicious! :)

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  40. Dear Katie~~ I must say I just love your outlook on life, and the way you describe things that happen in your life. I truly love reading your blog and tidbits..What a wonderful family you must come from, so refreshing to hear that..Thanks, again, for such a wonderful recipe, and May your year truly be blessed!

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  41. Katy,

    Your new header is lovely with those perfect loaves of bread. I received custard cups for Christmas also...Corningware, I think. Yours are really pretty. I'm thinking of a traditional custard or flan to try mine out, but Grape Nuts Pudding definitely has caught my interest. I bet it is good!

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  42. Hi, dear! Please!! I need a bite of this pudding!! I have mouth water just to see the pic!! Yummy!

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  43. Yum! I love the idea of the grape nuts pudding and would love to try it! Your new Le Creuset baking cups are gorgeous! Happy New Year!

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  44. Very very new to me...looks yummy....

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  45. Dear Katy, sorry for my ignorance but please explain me grape nuts. is it a fruit or a grain. I have never heard about it here.

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  46. I have never had this Katy- it looks delicious.

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  47. Love the new look to your site. And I've always loved grape nuts pudding-a warm winter dessert. Yum!!!

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  48. Katy, I'm going to give this a try. I have a very old squash recipe that uses grape nuts, so they must have been popular at one time. I'm so glad you posted this.

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  49. The dishes look really nice. I never had grape nuts pudding before but it looks like a yummy recipe. I have two older sisters and I used to buy them the same things as well but in different colors. It is just so much easier that way. Of course when one sister opened their present then the other knew what they were getting as well.

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  50. that pudding looks awesome....its a complete new recipe to me... would try it out soon....

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  51. You come up with the best ideas. This looks yummy.

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  52. I never even heard of Grape Nut Pudding but I am intiqued!
    Nice little custard dishes, no matter the price!

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  53. Grapenut pudding is one of my FAVORITES and I haven't made it in eons....this is really close to the recipe I use and I love it. I'm thinking I have to make some soon after looking at those gorgeous photos....YUM!!!!
    I also really enjoyed your story about how the baking cups (which are SO cute!) came to arrive at your house....I'm sure every time you use them..you're going to smile and hear your brother's uncontrollable laughter! :)

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  54. Andrea, so glad you liked it! I was just reminiscing with a friend about this recipe. So good! I'm glad you enjoyed it too.

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  55. Am copying out your recipe by hand and do not find the milk in the instructions. I guess that was an oversight? You mix that with the eggs and sugar, as with any custard, I suppose?

    Grape nut pudding was a dessert my mother used to make and which I loved but have not had for years. Will make your recipe tonight. Thanks.

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  56. Thanks for the catch and bringing it to my attention. I went back and followed the link to the original recipe and amended my post. I make an effort not to plagarize someone's recipe, changing the recipe to reflect my own wordsd and occasionally miss something. My apologies!

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  57. Hi Katy, how are you? I know you said you can't remember the name of the restaurant but I live in Plymouth...I was wondering if the name 3A Cafe rang a bell? That's a small restaurant, figured I'd throw it out there. Gunna try to think of other places it could possibly be! Thanks for the great recipe, my Gram and I are gunna try it! Have a good day :-)

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  58. I have tried to recall the name of that little restaurant. It was an older establishment on Court Street, I want to say near Pilgrim's clothing store???? Coming from Summer Street where I lived, and heading towards Kingston, the restaurant would have been on the right hand side of Court Street. If I remember correctly there were older style booths in there, family style meals. At this point, even if I heard the name of the restaurant, I probably wouldn't remember it, though it nags at me that I can't!

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