Episode 117: Happy Pandemic Thanksgiving 2020

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today is my traditional day to share stories and recipes here on the podcast. Let’s talk Thanksgiving and today I dedicate this episode to all the front-line health care workers around the world who are doing the work of caring for the seriously ill during this global pandemic.

Peggy’s Corn Pudding 
From The Kentucky Fresh Cookbook

makes 10 servings 

My mother’s aunt Marietta recommended the addition of vanilla extract; she thought it enhanced the custard. The 2006 edition of Joy of Cooking included the vanilla in a modified version of this recipe, based on my recommendation. This recipe can be mixed a day ahead of time, but it should be baked just before serving. The corn can be fresh (from 8 ears), frozen, or canned (drained) kernels. If desired, substitute 1 cup creamed corn for 1 cup corn kernels. 

4 cups corn kernels 
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour 
¼ cup sugar 
1½ teaspoons salt 
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
4 large eggs 
1½ cups milk 
¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted 

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 13×9×2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Mix together the corn, flour, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, and milk. Stir in the melted butter. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until set around the edges and soft in the middle. For a softer pudding, place the filled baking dish in a water bath (below) and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. 

Making a Water Bath A water bath is similar to a double boiler, but it is used in the oven instead of on the stovetop. Visualize a small pan (or pans) of food sitting in a larger pan of hot water during baking. It is an excellent way to keep a corn pudding soft or to bake individual cups of custard or bread pudding. The hot water insulates the sides of the custard or pudding from the heat of the oven and keeps them soft. To set up a water bath, select a roasting pan large enough to hold the baking dish (or dishes) described in the recipe. Preheat the oven as directed, and have boiling water ready. Pull out the oven rack and place the roasting pan on the rack. Set the baking dish (or dishes) filled with the custard or pudding inside the roasting pan. Carefully pour the boiling water into the pan, filling it until the water is halfway up the sides of the dish(es). Gently push the rack into the oven and bake for the designated time. When baking is complete, with oven mitts on, carefully remove the baking dish from the water. Let the water cool before attempting to remove the pan from the oven.