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BUTTERNUT SQUASH BREAD PUDDING

 

Food & Wine Annual Cookbook 2008
Food & Wine Magazine
This savory bread pudding, loaded with sweet butternut squash, is based on a recipe that meat master Bruce Aidells's wife, Nancy Oakes, created at her San Francisco restaurant, Boulevard. Aidells bakes the pudding in individual ramekins, which makes for a very elegant presentation.
Active: 40 min
Total: 2 hr 15 min
10 Servings

Ingredients
• 2 medium butternut squash (about 1½ pounds each)—halved lengthwise, seeded and peeled
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1½ baguettes, crusts trimmed and bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes (8 cups)


Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a shallow 3-quart baking dish. Thinly slice the bulbous parts of the squash into crescents and arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Cut the necks of the squash into 1/2-inch cubes and spread them on another baking sheet.

2. In a small bowl, combine the butter and olive oil. Lightly brush the squash crescents with the butter mixture and season with salt. Drizzle the remaining butter over the diced squash and sprinkle with salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Roast the squash for about 10 minutes, turning once, until softened and lightly browned in spots. Drizzle with the maple syrup and roast for about 5 minutes longer. Let cool.

3. In a bowl, whisk the half-and-half with the eggs, grated cheese and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the bread and squash cubes: toss gently. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and arrange the squash crescents on top. Bake the bread pudding for 1 hour, until the top is golden in spots and the center is firm. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
— Bruce Aidells

Make Ahead: The bread pudding can be refrigerated overnight. Rewarm at 350°F.