Something earth shattering. Pole shifting. Cataclysmic.
And yet something so subtle we didn't even notice it happening.
For some reason, we stopped making pudding. (If I was a betting woman, I'd wager that Bill Cosby had something to do with it.)
Pudding as an ubiquitous dessert option virtually ceased to exist in any form other than what comes from a box. Eventually you didn't even need a stove.
I've tried to fight the trend in small ways. I made tapioca pudding from scratch the other day, recognizing that it was a small splash of rebellion against a tidal wave of change. And I may grow even more daring, and try a recipe like the one below, despite having no knowledge whatsoever of who "Auntie" might be.
What's the worst that could happen? JELL-O brand takes a contract out on me?
Auntie's Date-Apple Pudding
A butterschotchy pudding rich in apples, dates, and nuts.
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 1/4 cups water
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped apples
2 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 cup broken walnuts
Mix brown sugar and cornstarch in 2-qt. saucepan. Gradually stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils; boil 1 min. Add dates, apples, butter, and vanilla. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, add nuts, then chill. Serve in sherbet glasses. Top with whipped cream, if desired. 6 to 8 servings.
