Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding

Here is a delectable recipe you can make ahead of your holiday gathering and heat up for the meal.

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Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding

Yield: 8-10

Author: Barefoot Contessa

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 15 M

According to Ina Garten, better known as the Barefoot Contessa, a stuffed turkey takes longer than an unstuffed one to cook, which can easily result in a dry turkey and soggy stuffing. Her solution? “I prefer to roast a turkey the same way I roast a chicken, with just onion, lemon and thyme in the cavity,” Garten explains in her book, Foolproof. “Instead of stuffing, I make a savory bread pudding with mushrooms, leeks and rich Gruyère cheese to go with the turkey. It’s crusty on top and moist inside.” Even better, it can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving—a plus when preparing the Thanksgiving feast.

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Ingredients

• 6 cups (½-inch-diced) bread cubes from a rustic country loaf, crusts removed
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 ounces pancetta, small-diced
• 4 cups sliced leeks, white and light green parts (4 leeks)
• 1½ pounds cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed and ¼-inch-sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves
• ¼ cup medium or dry sherry
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 extra-large eggs
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (6 ounces), divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bread cubes on a sheet pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a large (12-inch) sauté pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 5 minutes, until starting to brown. Stir in the leeks and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the leeks are tender. Stir in the mushrooms, tarragon, sherry, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1½ teaspoons pepper and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally. Off the heat, stir in the parsley.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, chicken stock, and 1 cup of the Gruyère. Add the bread cubes and mushroom mixture, stirring well to combine. Set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Stir well and pour into a 2½ to 3-quart gratin dish (13 x 9 x 2 inches). Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of Gruyère and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is browned and the custard is set. Serve hot.

https://www.anthologyofcrumbs.com/mushroom-leek-bread-pudding

Photo: Quentin Bacon

barefoot, contessa, Ina garten, pudding, stuffing, leek, mushrooms, sherry

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