Individual Summer Pudding

When the sun is shining and the temperatures rise, nothing beats a delicious and refreshing dessert to cool you down. Our Individual Summer Pudding recipe captures the essence of summer in a single bite. Bursting with the flavors of seasonal fruits and a touch of sweetness, these individual servings are perfect for a garden gathering, a picnic in the park, or simply as a delightful treat on a sunny day.

### Individual Summer Pudding

**Ingredients:**
– 1 loaf of white bread, sliced (crusts removed)
– 500g mixed berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries)
– 100g sugar
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Berries:** Start by washing and preparing the mixed berries. Hull the strawberries and ensure all the berries are clean. Place them in a saucepan with the sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the berries begin to release their juices, then remove from the heat and set aside.

2. **Line the Molds:** Take your sliced white bread and line the base and sides of individual pudding molds or ramekins with the bread slices, ensuring there are no gaps. Press the slices down gently to form a solid base and wall for the pudding.

3. **Fill with Berries:** Spoon the cooked berries into each bread-lined mold, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Reserve some of the berry juices to drizzle over the top later for an extra burst of flavor.

4. **Top with Bread:** Place another layer of bread slices on top of the berries to seal the individual puddings. Press down slightly to compact the layers and hold everything in place.

5. **Chill and Set:** Cover the molds with cling film or foil and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to soak up the berry juices, creating a deliciously moist and fruity dessert.

6. **Serve:** When ready to serve, carefully loosen the edges of the puddings with a knife and gently turn them out onto serving plates. Drizzle with the reserved berry juices for a glossy finish. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a hint of herbal fragrance.

7. **Optional:** For an added touch of indulgence, serve your Individual Summer Puddings with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy accompaniment complements the tartness of the berries and elevates this dessert to a new level of delight.

Embrace the flavors of summer with these delightful Individual Summer Puddings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these individual servings are sure to impress with their vibrant colors, refreshing taste, and easy preparation. Enjoy the best of the season with this simple yet elegant dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite.