Griswold Inn Indian Pudding

Molly53's Note:

The Griswold Inn, built in 1776 in Essex, Connecticut, has promised first-class accomodations to travelers since the stagecoach-steamboat days. This traditional molasses-rich dessert isn't as popular as it used to be, but it remains a very tasty treat. Despite the title, early New England settlers did not adapt this recipe from native Americans: 'Indian' refers to the 'Indian meal' used - cornmeal, as wheat flour wasn't available. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 1/2 cups light molasses

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and butter a 13 x 9" pan.
2. Combine brown sugar, spices, salt, milk and butter in a large saucepan and mix well.
3. Bring to a boil; gradually add cornmeal, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in molasses.
5. Pour mixture into buttered pan.
6. Bake for an hour and 15 minutes or until pudding is set.