“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Except in this house. We have a surgeon in our family, so crisp, juicy Autumn apples have the opposite effect. They bring the doctor home early!  Our clan enjoys the bushels of local, organic apples that hit the farmer’s markets and Co-op’s each Fall. Eating seasonal foods is a natural result of shopping for produce from small, local vendors.

Mmm, apples.

In the fall, crisp apples dipped in golden, floral honey are a seasonal treat to be enjoyed. The duo pairs perfectly with the rich, spicy gingerbread base and warm cardamom-scented, citrus icing in Honey Gingerbread Pudding with Orange Spice Glaze.

The dish is moist and decadent – not to mention healthy, light and dairy free. The abundance of healthful ingredients – whole-wheat bread, almond milk, free-range eggs and four fruits – stack the nutritional deck, so to speak. Bursting with flavor, vitamins and easy on the waistline.

A friend of a friend recently moved to Albuquerque. This dish seemed like the perfect Autumn gift to welcome her to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. She enjoyed the sweet treat, and “Farmer Greg” and his surgeon friends also gave rave reviews.  But, the real question: is this recipe kid-tested and approved?

“The Princess” takes a bite…

Soon, she’s on her second plate of apple-icious goodness.

The “Littlest Guy” spots chunks of Fall fruits and dives right in.

It’s smiles all around. The two most important critics give a rounding endorsement.

Whew!

My munchkins love mixing the batter for bread pudding – and licking the reminence of sweet nothings off their fingers!

All of the dry ingredients are chopped and placed in a dish. The kids spot the apricots and cranberries and proceed to snack away like little fruit bats.

Then, “Ima” mixes the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients…

and pours the mixture into a greased baking dish.

An hour later, the bread pudding is set and golden brown. It cools on a cloth and perfumes the house with the scent of apples, warm spices and fresh-baked bread. I will never buy an apple pie scented candle again!

“The Princess” whips the glaze to perfection. “Ima” is sure glad  she had children – now she doesn’t have to hold the pulse button down when she blends icing.

Oh, lovely apple beauty. I cannot wait to cut into the moist, sweet casserole.

 It’s time for a slice with a cup of fresh, hot coffee for a morning pick-me-up.

Oh, look at the creamy, rich icing; the busts of colorful fruit; the honey and ginger soaked bread. Who knew healthy could equate to delicious and tasty? There’s no time to waste: Let’s get baking!

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CLICK HERE TO PRINT RECIPE

Honey Gingerbread Pudding with Orange Spice Glaze (Dairy-Free)

A fruit-filled, elegant and seasonal dish – perfect for breakfast, brunch or dessert.

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups 100% whole wheat bread, cubed

2 1/2 cups baguette, sourdough or ciabatta bread, cubed

1/4 cup roasted pecans, finely chopped

1/4 cup dried, unsweetened cranberries

1/3 cup dried, unsweetened apricots, finely chopped

1 large organic Gala apple, cored and finely diced (the skin lends vitamins and great texture)

Wet Ingredients:

4 free-range eggs, lightly beaten (thank you, “Farmer Greg,” for our fresh eggs)

1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp. 0% Greek yogurt

3 cups unsweetened, plain almond milk

1 Tbsp. good quality vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. molasses

6 Tbsp. local honey

4 packets stevia extract, such as Truvia*

1 tsp. each: ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

Canola oil cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish

Preparation:

1.) Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a large, 2-3 quart glass or ceramic baking dish with canola oil cooking spray. Mix the dry ingredients in medium-sized bowl or glass dish with a large spoon or spatula.

2). Combine the all wet ingredients (except for the cooking spray) in a large bowl. Whisk until the batter is well-combined and completely uniform.

3.) Pour the dry ingredients into the large bowl of wet ingredients. With a large spoon or spatula, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until combined.

4.) Place the mixture into the prepared ceramic or glass baking dish. Bake for one hour or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. At this point, a knife inserted in the center will come out almost clean. Enjoy!

*You may omit the stevia and substitute an additional two Tbsp. of honey instead.

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Orange Spice Glaze

This icing is the perfect topping to liven-up any pancake, waffle or muffin recipe.

Ingredients: 

3 ounces room-temperature, dairy-free cream cheese or organic Neufchâtel cheese

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or the juice from one medium orange)

The zest of one medium orange (about 1 Tbsp.)

2 Tbsp. local honey

2 tsp. stevia extract, such as Truvia*

1 tsp. pure almond extract

1 tsp. ground, dried cardamon

Preparation:

1.) Combine all ingredients in a mini-chopper or small food processor. Process until smooth and completely mixed.

2.) Drizzle over the entire bread pudding or serve on the luscious glaze on the side. Enjoy!

*You may omit the stevia and substitute one Tbsp. of honey in its place.

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