In my life, cooking has always been centered around family. If you all grew up with older ladies who could cook, you know what I’m about to explain. If you haven’t, then follow along and learn something. It was from many of these experiences that I saw what cooking with love actually meant.

From the time I was able to appreciate cooking, I would always watch my older aunties, and the ladies at my church. Now these women could throw down in the kitchen! They would create huge meals out of pretty much anything available. Moments like these made me automatically assume that if I saw an older Black lady with a little loose skin hanging from her arm, SHE COULD COOK.

I’m not talking about regular cooking. I’m talking about her starting her Sunday Dinner on Saturday morning while she is making her Saturday Dinner. Now, this wasn’t good to assume at all. But for a majority of the women I’ve encountered, it was definitely true! For that reason alone, I call this recipe Grandma’s Bread Pudding.

The way that the bread soaks up this sweet custard mixture makes my mouth water. This pudding is the perfect balance of butteriness and sweetness. For an added surprise, I put some fresh blueberries in between the layers. The natural juices from the berries create this purple swirl throughout the layers. This is not meant to be a healthy recipe, so eat at your own risk.

The sauce that goes on top of the pudding made it even more indulgent. I couldn’t get enough of it. Plus, its main components are probably lying around your kitchen (bread, eggs, and half & half). This is also a perfect dessert or brunch item. If you have leftover bread, bread-pudding is a great way to reuse it. It might take a little while to bake, but it is certainly worth the wait!