Fall Favorite: Maple Pudding

Maple a wonderful fall flavor.  To me, it is right up there with pumpkins and apples.  Usually when I think of using maple syrup it usually is on pancakes, waffles, in hot cider, french toast, etc.  I never thought of it used as a main ingredient in pudding.

I found a recipe for Maple Pudding in Good Housekeeping magazine that is super easy to make.  Start by whisking together some milk, and cornstarch until they are smooth.  Then you heat up some milk, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract and salt until the mixture begins to boil.  The recipe instructed to stir occasionally, but I stirred continuously.  I didn't want the milk to stick to the bottom of the pan.  Next the heat is reduced to a simmer and you whisk in the cornstarch mixture.  The pudding is cooked until the mixture thickens.  Pour the pudding into 6 parfait or other serving dishes, cover with plastic wrap against the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cold.

I served the pudding with a gingersnap cookie but a nice dollop of whipped cream would do nicely.  This pudding has a deep rich maple flavor which is  perfect  for the holidays.   The family enjoyed this dessert.  The rich maple flavor hit the spot and it was so easy to make.

Maple Pudding

Maple Pudding
Good Housekeeping Magazine

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt




Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk and cornstarch until smooth.  In a 3-quart saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups whole milk, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and salt to boiling on high, stirring occasionally (I stirred constantly).

Cornstarch and Milk

Milk, Maple Syrup, Butter, Vanilla Extract, Salt

2. Reduce heat to simmer.  Whisk in cornstarch mixture; cook until mixture thickens whisking constantly.
3. Transfer to 6 parfait glasses (or other serving dish) cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold.

Pudding Covered With Plastic Wrap

Makes 6 servings

Hot Maple Apple Cider #Fall Favorites

Autumn is here and that means it is time for hot apple cider.  This is a family favorite drink on crisp autumn days/nights.  After the first servings, I  keep the cider warm  in a carafe.  This way we can help ourselves to it whenever we want.




Hot Maple Apple Cider

Ingredients:

1 orange
10 whole cloves
1- (64 ounce) bottle apple cider
1 ginger tea bag
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise
1/3-cup pure maple syrup
Whipped cream
Ground nutmeg



Directions:

1. Stud the orange with the whole cloves.  Set aside.
2. Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot.  Add the orange, ginger tea bag, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
3.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 60 minutes.
4. Remove the cider from the heat and add the maple syrup.  Stir until the syrup is dissolved.  Taste and add more syrup if needed.
5.  Ladle the cider into mugs and top with whipped cream and ground nutmeg.

Makes 8 servings