Queen of Puddings - blackcurrant

   Ingredients  

• 500ml full-fat milk
• 1 vanilla pod , seeds scraped out
• 2 tbsp golden caster sugar
• zest 1 lemon
• 150g brioche or white bread crumbs
• 1½ tbsp butter
• 3 large egg yolks , beaten
• 6 tbsp blackcurrant jam

  For the meringue

• 3 large egg whites
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 50g caster sugar

  Method

1. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4.
2. Put the milk in a saucepan and bring to the boil with the vanilla seeds, sugar and lemon zest.
3. Put the breadcrumbs in a large bowl, and pour over the hot milk.
4. Leave to stand for 10 mins to cool slightly.
5. Stir through the butter. Once melted, stir in the yolks.
6. Divide between six ovenproof serving dishes and bake for 12 mins or until just set.
7. Can be made a few hours ahead and chilled. Remove from the oven and spread the jam over the base.
8. Put the egg whites in a tabletop mixer, or a large bowl with an electric whisk and start to whisk.
9. Once the whites are holding their shape, add the vinegar and two-thirds of the sugar, give it 30 secs to work in, then add the remaining sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form. Spoon the mixture into piping bags with your choice of nozzle, then pipe between the dishes and bake for 10 mins until golden.
10. Serve straight away.

  This was one of my favourit puddings as a child without realising that it was always made when my mother had stale bread.