Hiya and welcome back! In Wednesday’s post, I alluded to an English-inspired, autumn treat. Eve’s pudding is that treat. Eve’s pudding is a delicious dessert that features cooked apples and a lovely sponge topping. It is often served with custard or cream. This was a new recipe for me to try, and it was a hit with my children and husband.
First, I must give credit to my English sisters-in-law, who kindly recommended a few autumn-inspired English recipes to me. And, as you can see, Eve’s pudding was on the list (as were a few other delightful treats that I plan to try soon). To compliment my Eve’s pudding, I also made a side of homemade vanilla custard.
Join me, and my four little ones, as we have a homeschool cooking lesson in English baking. We will also feature some fun thrifted finds that help make our presentation a bit more lovely.
Luckily, this recipe makes enough to share… so pull up a chair and learn alongside us.
~The Backstory~
While I have not eaten many Eve’s puddings in my lifetime, I do have a story tied to English cooking apples.
Picture this: My husband and I were newlyweds living in England- Craig worked a night shift. So, while he slept during the day, I would venture out and explore our quaint English village. I would pull my rainboots on (wellies) and bundle up tight-ready to face the drizzly, damp English weather.
During this sweet season of life, I enjoyed some of the most breathtaking walks. I was always in awe of the history that was on our doorstep. As an American, I always felt like I was a young child on field trip. You see, in America, we think a building built a mere 150 years ago is old, but in England, things are ancient! The thatched roofs, stone paths, quaint doors, and charming cottages are the stuff fairy tales are made of.
I remember one house in particular that always had a sign in the garden that read, “Cooking apples, please take!” The homeowners had an apple tree- that obviously produced a plethora of apples- and they were kind enough to share with the local passersby.
Cooking apples was not a term I had really heard before living in England- but basically, a cooking apple is an apple that is slightly more tart and holds its shape a bit better than a normal apple (also known as a dessert apple.)
~Eve's Pudding: The Perfect Post Idea~
When my English sister-in-law suggested Eve’s pudding- memories of my long, enjoyable, English walks rushed back to my mind. And it was in that moment I knew this would be the perfect recipe for my blog post. So, there you have it- the back story.
I do wish I had a photograph of that sweet “apple cottage” to share with you all, but unfortunately, I cannot locate one at the moment.
However, I will share a few photographs from my walks all those years ago.
Looking back now, I realize how special those scenic walks were. My husband and I both really miss the English village walks and the scenery- beauty that was/is unmatched.
~Pudding verses Dessert~
It is worth noting that in America we often refer to “pudding” as a thick, creamy dessert (often vanilla or chocolate), eaten with a spoon-either hot or cold. Whereas in England, the word “pudding” is much more encompassing as it is a general term for dessert. “What’s for pudding?” You may hear an English person ask after a meal.
~Right, It's into the Kitchen We Go! ~
As much as cooking in the kitchen with four little children is a bit crowded and chaotic, it is in all the stickiness and mess- that there is much blessing. For I am blessed to have the best helpers by my side- my four little shadows.
I even had my youngest baby help me cream the butter and the sugar. (Every time I would turn around, she was dipping her chubby finger in the creamed mix, and smiling as she tasted it, she would say, “Mmmm, treat mommy, treat!”)
~Where Eve's Pudding Got Its Name~
Eve’s pudding is named after the Biblical Eve in the garden of Eden- at the beginning of creation. The fruit in the pudding, is of course, the apple. If you are not a massive apple fan, you could easily swap the apple out for another fruit… if you wanted to experiment a little. I enjoy recipes that can be adapted to taste- like this one.
Cue my vintage thrift and inherited apple items. Let me introduce the cast of apples to you: The small apple trinket dish and the clear apple paperweight were my grandmothers (as she was a teacher like me). The children and I enjoy using this glass paperweight on our homeschool desk.
The pink apple paperweight was a recent thrift store find. Unknowingly, I was drawn to it (because it was familiar to me). My mom owned one just like it. When I saw it in the thrift store, I knew I needed it because it reminded me of being a little girl. I can vividly remember peering into my mom’s china cabinet, where she kept her wedding china and other special things, (like her apple paperweight) and studying the enchanting gems. As a child, it was a joy to explore the remarkable, protected treasures… while at the same time, admiring their beauty.
Isn’t it magical how an item can be nostalgic and can bring back memories that have been hidden for a long time? Of course, it was not pure nostalgia that drew me to the apple, but also the color…pink (see my post here)! I love pink, and I also think frosted glass (in any color) is lovely. Naturally, this was an easy purchase to add to my collection.
~Recipe Adaptations~
As you might expect, I made several adaptations to the traditional Eve’s pudding recipe. One of which was adding golden syrup and turbinado sugar. (I have a post on golden syrup here if you are interested in making a homemade version of it.) The turbinado sugar is added to the top of the pudding and was my favorite addition- as it adds a lovely, sweet crunch to the top layer.
~A Silver Spoon with Oxford Inspiration~
I found this silver serving spoon and spork set at the thrift store. It was made in Italy. I fell in love with it right away. As you know, I enjoy items that combine beauty and function. We are all drawn to items for different reasons: sometimes we just think they are beautiful, while other times, it is something we need, and still other times- items beckon us nearer to them because of an invisible pull- also known as nostalgia.
In this particular situation, it was the silver, spiral handles that reminded me of my first trip to Oxford, England. This was my first time visiting England, and it was on this adventure that I spotted “my” favorite barley twist columns. (To read about my earliest ties with England, click here).
Seeing as a connection had been made, this was a no brainer purchase for me. I am now the proud owner of a “barley twist” spoon set.
~English Style Custard~
The English style of custard is often pourable and is lovely on many things. You could, however, serve the Eve’s pudding with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or heavy whipping cream simply poured over the top. (All delicious alternatives.) The cream helps to cut the slight acidity of the apples- as well as giving the pudding a velvety texture (thanks to the cornstarch).
In America, we often add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to our “puddings,” whereas in England, they often add custard or pourable cream to their puddings.
~Until Next Time~
In conclusion, I hope you all feel creatively inspired. Apples are a lovely ingredient…any time of the year. As we enter this autumn-and soon to be- winter season, incorporating such a fragrant, warm ingredient into your cooking is a simple joy.
Here is to a lovely week filled with delicious treats and apple eats. Be sure to stay tuned for more autumn- inspired, English treats and autumn decor ideas (both inside the home and outside).
As always, thank you for tuning in, and please let me know if there are any English-inspired, autumn treats that you may be interested in learning more about.
See you all next Friday!
~Elizabeth~