English Summer Pudding

A traditional British dessert that's made with fresh summer berries and white bread. It's a perfect way to enjoy the season's ripest fruits.

Ingredients - Serves 6

Place the berries and sugar in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit has released its juices, about 5-10 minutes.
Line a pudding basin or deep bowl with the bread slices, overlapping them slightly and sealing well by pressing the edges together. Reserve one slice for the lid.
Pour the hot fruit mixture into the bread-lined basin, making sure all the bread is soaked in juice.
Cover the top of the fruit with the reserved bread slice and place a small plate on top. Weigh it down with a can or other heavy object.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld together.
To serve, remove the weight and plate, and invert the pudding onto a serving dish. Cut into wedges and serve with cream or ice cream, if desired.