Woodford Pudding is a delectable dessert that carries with it a rich history and a story of culinary ingenuity. With its blend of comforting flavors and textures, this pudding has become a beloved treat that represents the art of transforming simple ingredients into a delightful masterpiece.

Woodford Pudding has roots in American culinary traditions, particularly in the southern United States. The dish is thought to have originated in Woodford County, Kentucky, hence its name. Like many traditional recipes, Woodford Pudding evolved as a result of creative cooks making the most of the ingredients available to them.

This dessert showcases the resourcefulness of generations past, who combined basic staples such as sugar, flour, eggs, and Crisco (vegetable shortening) to create a satisfying treat. The addition of blackberry jam not only infuses the pudding with natural sweetness but also speaks to the use of seasonal fruits.

As times changed, Woodford Pudding remained a symbol of comfort and familiarity, passed down through families and communities. The dessert’s history is a testament to the ways in which simple recipes can capture the essence of a time and place, while still bringing joy to modern palates.

INGREDIENTS

For the Pudding:

• 1 cupful sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cupful buttermilk
• 1 teaspoonful baking soda
• 1-1/2 cupfuls flour
• 1/2 cupful Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 1 cupful blackberry jam
• 1/2 teaspoonful salt
• 1/2 teaspoonful grated nutmeg

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoonfuls Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 1 cupful whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoonful salt

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Pudding:

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the Crisco and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the salt, eggs (well beaten), and grated nutmeg to the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly.
4. In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk.
5. Gradually add the flour to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Stir in the blackberry jam to incorporate it evenly into the batter.
7. Grease a pudding dish with Crisco.
8. Pour the batter into the greased pudding dish.
9. Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until it becomes firm and golden on top.
10. Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly.

For the Sauce:

1. In a bowl, cream the Crisco until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, mixing until well combined.
3. Place the bowl over boiling water and stir until the mixture becomes liquid.
4. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract or sherry, according to your preference.
5. Just before serving, fold in the whipped cream.

To Serve:

1. Slice portions of the Woodford Pudding and place them on individual serving plates.
2. Drizzle the warm sauce over each serving of pudding.
3. Optionally, you can garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or powdered sugar.
4. Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and textures, savoring the history and tradition that this dessert represents.

Woodford Pudding is a testament to the enduring charm of classic recipes and the ability of food to connect us to the past. As you enjoy this dessert, you become part of a culinary narrative that has traveled through time to bring comfort and joy to those who relish its flavors.