Posted on 10/02/2009

Nicholson's Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding

To prepare for the fast approaching beach weather here in Australia I have taken up running - even though the very idea is comical to those who know me well. I do not profess to be athletic in the slightest or even very coordinated for that matter (the first few recipes on this blog were made and photographed teetering on one foot with crutches under my arms) but I do give it my best and I feel like I can splurge here and there (milk, butter, cream). This recipe was my little reward for completing my first 10K workout - it is quick, easy, tasty and filling.

Sir William Nicholson, Mushrooms, 1940
Oil on canvas board, 34.9 x 45.1 cm, The Tate Collection

Sir William Nicholson was a British artist who worked in both oil paint and graphic woodcuts. He was known for his minimal landscapes, influenced by the compositional and tonal qualities found in the canvases by Whistler. Throughout his career Sir Nicholson revisited the subject of mushrooms and often painted his still lifes in a small scale and in a quick, sketch-like manner. During the later part of his life, Sir Nicholson only painted what amused him - his delight in the delicate gills under the cap of the mushroom is evident through the skillful articulation of the texture.


Bread pudding is traditionally a sweet dessert made by soaking bread in a custard-like mixture and then baking it. The pudding is often accompanied by a sauce - rum, whiskey, and caramel sauce are among the most common. The dish is believed to have originated from frugal cooks looking for a way to use stale bread and in the 13th century it was known as the 'Poor Man's Pudding'. The British custom of serving it at Christmas dates back to the Victorian times although the dessert is commonly associated with childhood and school lunches.

milk droplet

{Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding}
adapted from Gourmet
serves 4

2 cups fresh bread cubes
700g mixed mushrooms
1/4 c chopped onion
1 TB butter
1/4 c chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 c whole milk
1/2 c single cream
2 eggs
1/4 c Parmesan, grated

Preheat the oven to 180C. Bake bread cubes in a shallow pan for 10 minutes until golden. Cut mushrooms into 1/4 inch pieces.

Saute the onion in butter in a small saucepan until soft, three minutes. Add the mushrooms with salt and pepper and cook until moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Add parsley and garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.

Whisk together the egg, milk, cream, cheese, and additional salt and pepper. Stir in mushrooms and bread and let stand 10 minutes until the egg mixture is absorbed.

Butter
4 ramekins. Spoon in mixture and bake on a metal tray for 30 to 35 minutes, until firm to the touch. Serve warm.

wild mushroom bread pudding

25 Responses to Nicholson's Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding

  1. One Food Guy
    October 2, 2009 at 11:11 PM
    This sounds great! I could see this replacing stuffing on the Thanksgiving table. Nice job! And congrats on the 10k
  2. shaz
    October 3, 2009 at 12:23 AM
    Whoa - 10K?! Good on you. I've never been a runner, it amazes me to hear about those who do. Love this savoury bread pud, great inspiration for those mid-week hump day meals :)
  3. Erin
    October 3, 2009 at 12:33 AM
    Yet another beautiful composition Megan! I'm so impressed. This sounds like the perfect fall recipe. I just adore mushrooms.
  4. OohLookBel
    October 3, 2009 at 1:04 AM
    Well done on the exercise regime (I'm always saying I'm going to join a gym but never do it). And I love the red ramekins, they are perfect for the mushroom puds.
  5. Anonymous
    October 3, 2009 at 2:00 AM
    I've never heard of a savory bread pudding, this is fascinating, would love to try.
    Congrats on your 10K, I'm in awe. :)
    Have a fab weekend daaaaaahling *kisses* HH
  6. Mike
    October 3, 2009 at 2:04 AM
    Looks really good. Mushroom gills are pretty amusing, delicious, too.
  7. Hungry Dog
    October 3, 2009 at 3:38 AM
    This sounds great; I much prefer savory to sweet bread puddings. Lovely photographs as always!
  8. Rosa's Yummy Yums
    October 3, 2009 at 5:26 AM
    OMG, that looks so good and flavorful!

    Cheers,

    Rosa
  9. Cookie
    October 3, 2009 at 9:04 AM
    Mushrooms in bread pudding sounds wonderful! I bet it's such a comfort food too!
  10. Lauren
    October 3, 2009 at 9:16 AM
    Congrats on your first 10K!! This looks like the perfect reward =D.
  11. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
    October 3, 2009 at 10:00 PM
    This is so clever! I've only really thoguht of making sweet bread puddings but I'm not sure why I haven't thought to do a mushroom one as it sounds fantastic! :)
  12. Frenchie
    October 3, 2009 at 11:28 PM
    This sounds absolutely decadent. I cannot wait to try this at home, even if it is a splurge, I guess I should start working my way to a 10k!
  13. dessert girl
    October 4, 2009 at 9:10 AM
    Wow! I've never heard of savory bread pudding. I'm not a huge fan of the sweet version, but this looks yummy!!
  14. Y
    October 4, 2009 at 11:44 AM
    I've always wanted to make a savoury bread pudding. What a travesty it is that I haven't especially after seeing what you've whipped up. Good luck with the running.
  15. isa
    October 5, 2009 at 2:56 AM
    I love mushroom in bread pudding - great idea!
    Congratulations on the 10K!
  16. Hannah
    October 5, 2009 at 5:10 AM
    I never thought that "mushroom bread pudding" could be photographed beautifully, but here you've proved me wrong! I especially love that shot of the drop of cream spilling from the pitcher...
  17. flintstone
    October 5, 2009 at 11:13 AM
    i love the milk droplet picture.
  18. Anita
    October 5, 2009 at 2:53 PM
    Mixed mushroom bread and butter pudding sounds like a great meal. I would be happy with a "poor mans" dinner, if this was it! :)
  19. petoskeygirl
    October 5, 2009 at 9:36 PM
    I have always thought of bread pudding as a dessert, but yours looks like a main dish. Congrats on your running. Just don't over do it!!!!!
  20. zested
    October 8, 2009 at 3:17 AM
    I love the photo and the recipe. I make a very similar dish with a touch of nutmeg and just a sprinkle of lemon zest, which brightens up the earthiness of the mushrooms.
  21. Lael Meidal
    October 8, 2009 at 8:09 PM
    I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog! I love the combination of old and new art and food, so I just had to leave you a comment saying that I look forward to coming back around as well as working through your archives. This mushroom bread pudding sounds intriguing and delicious!
  22. From Me To You
    October 14, 2009 at 1:24 AM
    Oh my... this sounds so good. I have to try this!
    Love the last picture, beautiful!
  23. Wanda
    October 28, 2009 at 11:42 AM
    This is great comfort food. I haven't thought of making savory bread pudding having always served bread and butter pudding as a dessert.
    This is really tasty, thank you for this quick and easy recipe
  24. Jeanne
    November 4, 2009 at 2:01 AM
    I love savoury bread & butter puddings - I made a very successful caprese one last year (or was it earlier this year?). Anyhow - yours looks too divine - can't wait to try it!
  25. Anonymous
    November 19, 2009 at 11:59 AM
    It was certainly interesting for me to read the article. Thanks for it. I like such topics and anything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read more soon.