Mixed Summer Berry Pudding

summer pudding (3)

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Mixed Summer Berry PuddingThis recipe is a great way to use slightly over ripe berries.  It’s a wonderful summer dessert that requires no time in the oven!  It does need to set up overnight, so it requires a little planning, but it comes together quickly and can be made a day or two prior to serving.  It’s perfect for summer entertaining because all that is needed when serving is just a dollop of whipped cream, ice cream or – my favorite – nonfat frozen yogurt.

Ingredients:
7 C mixed summer berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or strawberries)
½ C 2 T granulated sugar
¼ C water
12 slices white sandwich bread, crust removed
Juice of 1 lemon
Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for serving

Direction
:
1.) Prepare the mold:  A day before you plan to serve the pudding spray a  9″ loaf pan with pan spray.  Line with plastic film, making sure to press film neatly inside mold.  Set aside.  You may also use a 2 qt mixing bowl for a rounded shaped presentation.
2.) Make the pudding:  Combine berries, sugar and ¼ C water in a medium sauce pan.  Simmer over medium high heat until sugar is completely dissolved and berries have given up their juices.  Stir in lemon juice.
3.) Pour ¼ C berry juice in the bottom of the prepared mold.  Line the bottom of the pan with a single layer of bread.  Cut the bread as needed to fit snuggly. * I like to use the best pieces for this layer because the dessert is served inverted, so the first layer in the pan will become the top of the dessert.  Spoon 1/3 of berry mixture over bread slices.  Smooth berries evenly over bread.  Top with a second layer of bread and berries.  Repeat until all berries have been used, ending with a layer of bread.  Pour any extra juices evenly over the top of the assembled pudding.   Cool and then wrap pan with plastic film.  Place a weight on top of the pudding and refrigerate overnight.
4.) Plate and serve pudding:  Unwrap pudding and turn over onto serving platter.  Carefully remove plastic and slice and serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or frozen nonfat yogurt.