Even though my husband considers me overly effusive and loquacious, there are some times when I like to speak through cooking. I made this pudding as a way to say “I love you” to my husband who adores berries and fruit in every form. I should share an amusing tidbit with you Dear Reader. We never actually said “I love you” to each other until the day he proposed to me, five years after we had started dating. We were both terrified of not hearing it echoed back that we thought that we would remain tight lipped on the subject and not utter those terrifying three words at all.
I’m still not quite sure why I was so reluctant to say it. Hazarding a guess, former boyfriends had always said it first so I knew that I wouldn’t be greeted with a wall of silence when I uttered it but I was determined not to be the over the top girlfriend proclaiming love at every turn. I realise that after say a couple of years I should have felt safe saying it but by then in my twisted logic I thought that he definitely wouldn’t answer it as he should have said it by then. When he proposed I blurted it out to him and to my immense relief he said it back and we grinned like monkeys.
As we reach the last month of summer, I thought I’d try and preserve these last vestiges of the season and make use of the very reasonably priced berries that we are now getting. I had seen this recipe in an Ina Garten cookbook over a year ago and drooled and gawped at the page like a lascivious fool. It was one of those dishes that I always kept in the back of my mind to make and I finally did. Better late than never right?
I thought that it was all too easy to make -I have a sickness that way, so I decided to make my own bread for it and I am proud to say that I plaited my first challah bread! My challah making was spurred on by the fact that when I did a quick ring around for a place that sold brioche, there was only one bakery where Mr NQN works in North Sydney that does brioche and they need a day’s lead time and they require a deposit. How silly I thought to myself and having made brioche I decided to try and tackle challah bread which is a Jewish egg bread with a similarly sweet, rich flavour to it. I got the recipe from the lovely MaryPoppinsinHeels blog with whom I share a similarly twisted sense of humour.
The pudding itself is lovely and given an extra boost from using the sweet egg bread rather than plain white loaf (and please don’t use wholemeal bread I beseech you although I know you are too sensible to contemplate such a thing) and the berry compote is delicious as is or soaked in the bread with just the right amount of sweetness in it. And don’t worry about unmolding it – this was the thing I was most anxious about but provided you’ve weighed down the pudding with cans, it should compress suitably and slide out with ease. You could also make it in the morning and serve it that evening. Call me silly but I still think a fruit pudding is as equally a good way to say “I Love You”.
So tell me Dear Reader was it easy for you to say those three words to your Significant Other or a past Significant Other?
Summer Berry Pudding
Adapted from a recipe by Ina Garten
- 3x 250g punnets strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 500grams raspberries (frozen will do)
- 450grams blueberries
- 1 brioche or challah bread weighing 600-700grams
- whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to serve
1. Wash and hull strawberries reserving 3-4 whole ones for decoration and cut into halves or quarters if they’re those big, hulking ones. Poach these in the water and sugar in a medium saucepan until starting to become soft for about 5 minutes. Then add raspberries and blueberries just leaving a handful of blueberries for decorating and cook for 2 minutes or so. Set aside to cool.
2. Take a high ceramic souffle dish – do not grease, the pudding will slide out. Slice the crusts off the bread and cut it into 1cm thick slices. I used a round cutter to get the pattern on top but you don’t have to and it looks just as nice if you just cut pieces to fit the pudding so that it sits snugly and flat. Ladle over some of the sauce making sure not to leave any yellow pieces of bread as this will not look very good. Ladle over some fruit and then repeat with the brioche, syrup and fruit until the top of the souffle dish is reached. Cover with cling wrap and then place a plate and 3 cans on top to weigh it down. Make room in the fridge for this and place it in the fridge overnight or for 6 hours.
3. When ready to serve, and you want to unmould this around about when you want to serve it, run a thin knife around the edge of the pudding to help ease it out. Unmould in onto the serving plate carefully, it should slip out despite any nervousness.
4. Decorate with extra berries and a sprig of mint and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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76 Comments | Add your own
Oh, my singleness makes this a tricky question to answer, so instead I shall say that if any fantabulous French/Italian/Belgian men want to tell a 22-year-old Australia girl that they love her in the upcoming months, I’m all for it.
I’ve also always thought summer puddings look wonderful but have never got around to making one.But Lorraine, for all your ‘no wholemeal’ stance, what of those of us with gluten intolerances in the family? Could you forgive a rye bread in such circumstances?
The colours in this pudding are divine.
My mum used to make summer pudding, it’s such a beautiful looking dessert. Well done for making your own challah – a woman on a mission, not to be put off by a lack of brioche! I blurted out the first “I love you” to my husband and he was so relieved as he had been practicing for days
Oh Lorraine!!! Look at that bloody red pudding! Wow, how luscious!
That is a delightul pudding! Summe berres are so delicious…
Cheers,
Rosa
Oh how romantic! And your challah looks perfect..
Oh that is so beautiful!!!
And what a statement of love.
The sweetest cake and the sweetest story. I love berries.
oooh that ‘love you’ story is just too cute
And what a great looking pudding!
One of my favourite desserts. I have made summer pudding before and its always a hit.
wow I have always wanted to try a summer pudding- thanks for the recipe.
How gorgeous is this? Beautiful post about your courtship – and what says love more than a red pudding?
It is ingrained in us not to say those 3 words in case they aren’t reciprocated and it kills what you have, so I know what you are saying.
What a gorgeous colour! I’m not a huge fan of bread puddings personally but I think it’s fabulous that you made your own bread for it
I have never seen a more gorgeous bread pudding! And your challah bread is gorgeous as well. No need to ever buy it again. Your husband is a lucky man! xoxo Mum
I tell my wife I love her several times a day.
Oh yum!! Lorraine…this is gorgeous!! Too bad me can hardly ever find fresh berries around here…I guess frozen is an ok substitute…maybe?
As for those three little words…I’ve never said them to a significant other or past significant other…coz I’ve never had one of either!
What a lovely sight to see first thing in at the office – summer pudding – you’ve sold me, I’m making it on the weekend. In fact I just came back from bush walking on Maria Island in Tassie , and miraculously out of the night came a summer pudding with cream for dessert – there was no electricity either – no fridge etc. A sweet, sweet miracle.
Yum! I must try that challah bread!
Appropriately for this blog husband first told me he loved me about 4 weeks into our relationship when I told him I would make him pancakes. The exchange went like this:
Him: I would really love pancakes now
Me: I could make you pancakes
Him: I love you … not just for the pancakes tho, I really do love you
Priceless!
It’s about 30º here in the eastern US… but that looks like summer to me… gorgeous and just what I need right now!
Wow, this is art! And looks incredibly delicious.
On our first date, in the middle of the night standing on the beach during a storm, we said our “I love you”’s.
Perfect memory.
I’ve always been a bit terrified to make my own bread.
That pudding looks good enough for me to try though!
I love the passionate red of the pudding – so appropriate in light of your admission of you and your husband’s unspoken passion for each other, LOL!
These colours look so lovely. My grandmother always had blue willow plates so they always make me think of her apple pie and custard. The blue pattern looks really good against the red berries.
I’ve been gorging on berries lately <3
OH how I love berries! This looks gorgeous! On the three little words, it was actually only about a week into the whirlwind romance that led to me marrying my dear husband 11 years ago, but only because he said it first lol.
Made a summer berry pudding for a baby shower on Saturday, it was raved about making me quite proud. However each time I make it my berry sauce doesn’t seem to seep through to the outside of the bread. I cheat by pouring sauce over the top once pudding is turned out. But do you have any tips for ensuring the sauce does get through?
You were together for 5 years and never said I love you? That is really weird. Did you live together before you got married – that would be even weirder. What about valentines Day cards, Birthday cards? Did they say ‘From X’? I’m seriously intrigued as to how that worked!
I’ve seen Ina make this on her tv show, and I’ve always been terrified of it for the unmolding step. Yours looks gorgeous, and I’ll have to get over my fears and try it some day! Lovely homemade challah too.
Hello! I’ve never commented before but I absolutely LOVE your blog. And this berry pudding looks delicious – such rich, deep lustful colours.
I think showing your love to your husband through all your cooking should make up for not saying “I love you” to each other for 5 yrs
this looks amazing lorraine.
love the red!
so intriguing! perfect for vday
This makes me wish berries were in season here. In a few months they will be, but we will cut up our strawberries and eat them plain or with a little Cool Whip. I enjoyed your photos and this post. I love the things you make. Some are things I will make in the future. Keep the recipes coming.
What a great post! When my husband and I first started dating I was very aware that at that point in time I definatley “loved him more than he loved me” so was desperate not to be the first one to drop the L-Bomb.
I waited, and waited and waited – and it was only when I had to go away for a week long work trip that he called me very late at night, stumbling and mumbling until he said “I’ve been thinking about it and I’m pretty sure… well, I think I might love you”.
That was good enough for me
The colours are SO divine.
Wow Lorraine, the perfect pudding for valentine’s day… super beautiful… You’re the beeeesssttt… Always makes me hungry everytime I read your blogs
Luckily, my hubby always said He love me morning noon and night, but Im sure if I make him this pudding He will say it every hour hehehehe…
How utterly romantic and delectable, red is such a powerful colour in the language of love! So sweet of you to be making it for Mr.NQN and uttering I love you through the process.
My husband and I met on a 3 week whirlwind holiday and after 27 years , we’re still going strong. “I love you”, comes easy to both of us and sometimes sweet, considerate things you do for the other person, spells it out without even saying those three little words. Love makes the world go round and you can never have too much!!
I’ve had my head buried and look at what I almost missed! That’ll teach me to sulk. I LOVE that I’m in your blog and I really LOVE that we share the same twisted sense of humor! You’ve made me smile so–thank you, NQN!!
And what a wonderful story! I, too, am reluctant to say “I love you” first, but only to lovers. I say it easily and quickly to friends. So odd. But how sweet that your first exchange was during Mr. NQN’s proposal
You know that I noticed, before the challah, your lovely twisted sense of humor, yes?
Oh. My. God. I am DEFINITELY making this. I love berries just way too much. And yummy brioche too.
As for the love thing – me and my boyfriend don’t really say it. Doesn’t need to be said – we both know how we feel about each other
But then I am not an overly romantic person anyway.
What an adorable story, Lorraine! As are the others being shared. Sigh. And the pudding is so gorgeous, and appropriately red. =)
When I had the fortune of hearing those words and wanting to say them back, I waited until he said them. But I was the first to admit there being more than just a friendship!
I have to say, that having reconnected with you after 20 years, it has been enlightening and uplifting to read your blog. Keep up the good work – I look forward to your post every day!
cheers,
Karen.
Looks amazing! I love challah so might have to attempt it.
A stunning pudding Lorraine! gorgeous colour. Im all for colours! thats a cute story u told…..and it was a happily ever after..I like happy endings!!
what a gorgeous looking pudding! I was determined not to say it first to my boyfriend and he had never said it to anyone else so he was very nervous about doing so! I think we tormented each other with it for about 6 months before he caved and said it. And I happily returned his I love you!
Lorraine, what a nice looking pudding, love the color and specially the berries in it…yummie
You sure know how to spoil a man . Beautiful looking pudding . I’m going to have a go at this one .
Love love love berries … of every kind…. BUT … i can’t go there with the summer pudding … soggy bread …yuck …….. although you have made it look amazing … very pretty.
Well done on the Challah! You’ll have to whip some up every Sabbath now
Lovely pudding too. I’ll happily tell the pudding that I love it.
I have a recipe for a summer berry cake where you butter both sides of stale bread before layering; otherwise, it’s the same recipe. It looks more cake-like. Haven’t made it yet, but that might solve the soggy bread problem someone had. Your pudding/cake is gorgeous, by the way.
I came from a family where “I love you” was never uttered. When my partner of 7 seven years passed away at 34, I remember sobbing “he didn’t know I loved him” over & over. I never could say it. With my husband now, I say “I love you” all the time. Back to summer pudding; it looks gorgeous & jewelled. So impressed you made the Challah too!
that pudding is making me salivate.
MPS (my husband) said I love you after a week. Kinda freaked me out so it took me 6 months to say it back…
We have been together for 20 years this Sunday…
Haha, a perfect way to say I-love-you for Valentine’s Day or otherwise. Lovely colours in the summer berry pudding =)
Cute story Lorraine! Yep, I’ve found it very hard to say in the past!!
You might like the trailer for this new Aussie movie, “I Love You Too”: http://www.moviehole.net/201023290-i-love-you-too-trailer
What a lovely story! I’m not usually a fan of summer pudding, like Monica, not enamoured of soggy bread but using a nice eggy challah might make a big difference as it wouldn’t fall apart so quickly. I can’t think of a better way of stating your love than with food!
The only bread pudding I ever had was one which my mum did using our typical Maltese bread (which is quite salty). Needless to say I didn’t like it and never had another pudding ever again. But this recipe gave me hope (i love anything involving berries!)and I will definitely try it someday and give bread pudding another chance!
Fabs from Malta
xxx
it goes without saying that this berry pudding has been made with love
i’m curious, what is the texture of this like? do you need to gobble it up straight away or does it keep ok for a couple of days in the fridge?
Every girl wants to hear those words. It’s also the hardest words to say to your better half. The pudding looks great and I am sure Mr NQN enjoyed every mouth full because it’s made with love
Such a cute story Lorraine! And a yummy pudding too
five years, eh? your story is one for the ages, lorraine–thanks for sharing! as i have no lovey-dovey tales for myself yet, i enjoy living vicariously through those of others.
meanwhile, this pudding is perfect for the holiday–lovely work!
I agree — fruit pudding sounds like a fantastic way to say I love you! Ironically, before I said I love you to my husband I had never said it to anyone before (except family members)…but I said it to him the second time we met, lol!
I love the vivid color of this. Just gorgeous.
Loving that red!
I love this pudding. You’re just looks perfect. My mother used to make this because it’s so English – and reminded her of ‘home’.
Funny story about you and your husband. I wonder if it’s the Finn in him coming out there? Mr Mélanger is quite reserved in sharing his feelings. I think it’s a common trait for Finnish people. His dad, is even more reserved. Very Finnish old school.
OH EM GEE Lorraine! That looks fa-fa-fa-fabulous! I love all things berries and this is just WOW! Must make it come summer x
What a vibrant and beautiful dessert. lovely!
wow that is impressive making your own bread – pannetone is wonderful in summer pudding – in fact I have half a loaf waiting here ever hopeful that I might make it one of these days
You’re right, this pudding DOES seem like a great way to say I love you! It’s even red
It wasn’t hard for me, as I blurted it out one day in a drunken stupor, it was reciprocated luckily, and we’ve been saying it ever since.
Thank god for the alcohol, I must say
your summer pudding is just beautiful. The colour is so vibrant it makes me happy just looking at it. And what a sweet story you’ve shared. I don’t think I’ll have the guts to say it either! Eeeks but u and your hubby are so blessed
And makes me smile knowing how the two of you share your love through food too xx
The moment I saw this, I knew this is love at first bite. The brioche does make a difference. It’s the butter!
And all those fresh berries makes me drool right now.
Hi Hannah-Haha you are so mysterious!
Well I have to be honest, I don’t think a rye bread would be pleasant at all. I could be wrong but I get a bad feeling about it 
Hi Carly-Thankyou!
Hi Amy-Thankyou! Yes I wasn’t willing to go the brioche route for this
Awww how sweet and isn’t it nice to hear it back! 
Hi sophia-Hehe thankyou!
Hi Rosa-They are so good aren’t they!
Hi Celia-Thankyou! It was my first challah so it was very exciting!
Hi Carol-Thanks so much Carol!
Hi Blond Duck-Hehe thanks Duckie! I bet you have a great story!
Hi Lisa-Thankyou so much!
Hi Jacinta-Yes it’s gorgeous isn’t it! I love it with cream
Hi sandra-You’re welcome! I hope you like it!
Hi Cakelaw-Thankyou! Hehe I agree!
Thankyou for understanding! 
Hi Steph-Thankyou! Ahh I know someone else that doesn’t go for them too but I love them with cream or ice cream. Thanks!
Hi Barbara-Thanks mum!
I know, it was so easy! 
xxx
Hi Mark-Awww that’s so sweet!
Hi Liv-Thanks Liv!
Yes you could really use frozen for this which is great! Oh but there might be someone around the corner! 
Hi Bev-Thankyou!
Ahh yes they’re great for when you don’t want to turn on the oven-or have electricity! 
Hi Jo-Yes please do! It’s really tasty
Haha I love that! That’s gorgeous 
Hi deana-Ahh yes you’ll be having Summer Pudding when we are in the throes of Winter! :O
Hi Meghan-Thankyou very much!
Hi April-Aww how darling!
I was until we got a electric mixer with a dough hook which really helped 
Hi Belle-hehe yes hopefully he gets the message through pudding!
Hi Sarah-Ahh yes they’re so grandmotherly aren’t they! Thankyou!
Hi Fiona-Fabulous and they’re good for you too!
Hi Jen-Thankyou!
Wow, that was fast but I bet he was sure! That’s wonderful! 
Hi JT-Good on you! Hmm I think just pouring the sauce on after each layer of bread may help (unless of course you already do that)? I only had a few bits on the bottom edges. Or maybe using more sauce?
Hi kel- well weirdness is a relative term. Saying “I love you” is quite different from signing off a card “Love, xxx”. I mean I sign off cards and emails to friends like that but I don’t say “I love you” to them.
Hi lisa-trust me, it’s so easy but yes I had the same feeling!
Thankyou! 
Hi Rebecca-Thanks Rebecca!
I love how red and vivid it gets with the berry juice. Hehe thankyou! 
Hi felicia-Absolutely! And you can put it in the fridge the night before and unmold it the next day!
Hi Darlene-Ahh yes you’ll be basking in delicious berries before long!
Thankyou so much Darlene! 
Hi Joy-Ahh yes and women are always thought of to be the more in love of the two! Awww that’s gorgeous!
Hi Mary-Thankyou!
Hi Isya-Thankyou! Hehe I like that!
Aww that’s so sweet and hehe yes every hour for this pudding! 
Hi Matilda -Absolutely! I love red
Thankyou! You sound like an amazing couple! 
Hi MaryPoppinsinHeels-Haha yes your lovely challah!
I love reading your blog and your take on things 
Hehe we laugh about it so much now. And yes I agree it can be hard to say depending on the person!
Hi Esz-Ahh well then this is a great combo! Ahh as long as you know it, that’s what counts isn’t it!
Hi Sairis- Thankyou!Yes ready for Valentines Day!
Hehe that’s funny so there were signs from both of you! 
Hi Karen-Hey Karen, it’s been a long time since school. Such a shame you couldn’t come to the reunion. Thankyou so much!
Hi Jen-Ahh please do! I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi zurin-Thankyou so much! Hehe yes it was definitely a happy ever after
Hi Sarah-Thanks very much!
Hehe if only there was an easy way to find out if there would be a yes at the end?
Hi Juliana-Thankyou very much!
Hi tonybalone-Hehe thankyou!
Please do and I’d love to know what you think of it! 
Hi Monica-Well it’s not that soggy and it’s much better with a brioche or challah!
Hi Conor-Thanks! Hehe sure I’d be happy to
Yes and you always get love back from a pudding!
Hi Sara-Ahh interesting, I wonder how that would taste? I’ve heard of baked B&B puddings where you butter both sides but not unbaked. Thanks!
Hi Jeniffer-Yes me too. My family members have never said it to each other. I’m so sorry to hear that about your former partner but good to hear that it’s now frequently said. Thankyou!
Hi Kelley -Thankyou!
Aww that’s kind of sweet! How amazing, 20 years! Congratulations! 
Hi mlle délicieuse-Thankyou so much! Yes it’s perfect for Valentines Day!
Hi KT-Thanks so much! Hehe yes so hard isn’t it! Thankyou! Haha that actually looked pretty funny!
Hi Moya-Thankyou very much!
Yes the challah and brioche makes a big difference I promise 
Hi Fabianne-Ahh now that would be quite a strange bread to have in a salty pudding! Thanks very much!
I hope you like it! 
xxx
Hi Panda-Thankyou!
You are so sweet! Hmmm you know it’s best within a couple of days but it didn’t last any longer 
Hi Katherine-Absolutely I agree! It’s so hard but so lovely to hear it. I think he did!
Hi Christie-Thankyou very much!
Hi grace-Hehe thanks! Thankyou so much. I love hearing the stories too!
Hi Faith-Thankyou!
Hehe that’s so cute!
Hi Maggie-Thanks very much!
Hi pigpigscorner-Thankyou!
Hi Julia-Ahh of course yes it’s very English isn’t it!
Hehe totally could be the Finn! 
Hi Mowie-Haha thanks Mowie!
Absolutely please do!
HI Anita-Thanks so much!
Hi Johanna-Ahh yes I should have bought a pannettone, that would have been easier to get a hold of!
Hi Avanika-Haha yes! The red does help doesn’t it!
Oh that’s fantastic! Haha I love that! That’s so funny and isn’t it great when you can just blame the alcohol if its not reciprocated! 
Hi diva-Thankyou so much!
I think we both wondered why it had taken us so long! 
Thankyou darling! Xxx
Hi Divina-Absolutely, I think it makes it more cake like!
Thankyou! 
This is such a perfect thing for the “I love you” day. Even before I started reading I was thinking of Valentines:-)
That is GORGEOUS! Now I can’t wait for summer…
Sadly I think you’d be right – rye bread would just be too strong in flavour. I have had luck making bread-n-butter puddings with store-bought gluten-free waffles, but they wouldn’t have the structural integrity for this!
Ahhh so vividly red! Beautiful!!
Hi Soma-Thankyou so much! I agree!
Hi anna-Yes we’re seeing the end of it here!
Hi Hannah-Yes I dare say it might be quite bad usign rye
Oh no really! What a shame!
Hi Yas-Thankyou very much!
awww.. you and your husband are so cute!! haha.. thanks for sharing your little love story there..
great looking pudding by the way!
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[...] I wrote before about how difficult it was for Mr NQN and I to say “I Love You” to each other. That reminded me of a situation from back when I worked in an office. We were a typical “Office Space” company, a technology start up where very few had offices with walls and we’d find ourselves staring at a partition of neutral coloured woolly material covered partitions all day. Of course with partitions, we would hear everything that others around us was saying. Every morning I’d hear one of my buyer’s pre work rituals: checking out the scores for Arsenal and browsing various adult entertainment websites (yes really). [...]
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