Raspberry Queen of Puddings

Queen of Puddings is a traditional British dessert, consisting of a baked, bread crumb-thickened mixture, spread with raspberry or black currant jam and topped with a fluffy, golden meringue.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 large eggs (3 separated, 1 whole)
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
2 cups fresh bread crumbs
3/4 cup plus 6 tablespoons granulated sugar - divided use
1/4 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite flavor)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate; set aside.
2. Beat together 3 egg yolks and 1 whole egg in a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, vanilla, lemon peel, bread crumbs, and 3/4 cup of the sugar, mixing well. Pour mixture into the prepared pie dish. Place the dish into a large baking pan and fill the pan with 1/2 to 1-inch of cold water (a bain marie or water bath).
3. Bake for 1 hour or until set. Remove pudding from the bain marie. Spread with the raspberry jam and let set for 10 minutes or so while you prepare the meringue.
4. With electric mixer, beat the 3 egg whites with the cream of tartar until foamy. Beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; continue beating until it is glossy and stiff peaks form. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, mixing well. Do not under beat.
5. Pipe or spread the meringue on top of the jam. Return pudding to the oven (minus the bain marie) and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until meringue turns golden brown.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.