Baked Sweet Cherry Pudding

Orange, vanilla and almond-scented baked cherry pudding.

Recipe Ingredients:

2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups Bing cherries, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Vanilla ice cream for accompaniment (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Butter an 8-inch square glass baking dish; set aside.
2. In a blender blend together 2/3 cup sugar, flour, eggs, milk, vanilla, zest, almond extract, and salt, until custard is just smooth.
3. Arrange the cherries in one layer in the prepared baking dish.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the cherries.
5. Bake pudding in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is puffed and springy to the touch.
6. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and drizzle evenly with the butter.
7. Place the pudding in a preheated broiler about 3-inches from the heat for 1 minute, or until it is lightly browned. Serve with the ice cream, if desired.

Makes 4 servings.