| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 392 | 22g | 13g | 41g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 33g | 2g | 6g | 0.15g |
Let’s talk about this delightful and nostalgic Tayberry and Vanilla Pudding dish, a bona fide culinary sensation encompassing the charm of American comfort combined with the California passion for healthy, fresh food. Its vivacious colors captured in 
playfully mirror the sun-kissed valleys where I grew up, inspiring me to create dishes like these.
A Health-Conscious Indulgence
You might wonder how can a pudding be health-conscious? Well, it incorporates the natural sweetness and nutrition punch of tayberries. Grown in the Pacific Northwest, tayberries resemble raspberries but are larger and sweeter. They are a crossbreed of two varieties of blackberries and raspberries packing a high dose of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. A daily dose of these berries is known to improve gut health, metabolism, and strengthen the immune system. So, even though we’re indulging a bit with this dessert, the pudding captures that West Coast ethos of being mindful about what we eat.
Culinary Pairings
The Tayberry and Vanilla Pudding is a versatile star that can hold its own at any gathering. Serve it chilled as a comforting dessert following a hearty weekend brunch, or watch it transform a weeknight dinner at home into a festive occasion. If you are one for culinary pairings, this dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp, aromatic Riesling or a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay, paying homage to California’s renowned wine country.
You could also consider pairing it with lean proteins, like a roasted chicken or poached salmon. The acidity of the tayberries cuts through the richness, balancing the palate and creating an overall harmonious dining experience. Similar in its creamy, fruity delight to a classic Eton Mess or Panna Cotta, our tayberry pudding will stand tall in any comparison, carrying its uniqueness in flavor, texture and nutritional benefits.
The next time you find fresh tayberries in your local farmer’s market, don’t forget this delightful recipe, and enjoy a delicious trip down memory lane served in a dessert dish. It’s a testament that comfort food can indeed be both indulgent and health-conscious, just like those sunny days in California where love, food, and health intertwine in the most magical ways.
What You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/2 cups of fresh tayberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 6 vanilla wafers for decoration (optional)
- Additional fresh tayberries for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the fresh tayberries under cold water and then gently pat dry with a kitchen towel. Set aside for later.
Step Two
Combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about a half cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
Step Four
Remove from heat and then stir in both the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool slightly before folding in the fresh tayberries.
Step Five
While your tayberry mixture is cooling, beat together the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will be used as a topping for your puddings.
Step Six
Once the tayberry mixture has cooled slightly and you’ve folded in the fresh tayberries, layer this mixture into dessert glasses, topping each with a generous dollop of the whipped cream.
Step Seven
If desired, top each pudding with a vanilla wafer and additional fresh tayberries for garnish. The pudding can be served immediately, or refrigerated until serving. Enjoy!
