Makowki ( Polish Poppy Seed Bread Pudding)

Marlitt's Note:

This is a very traditional Polish dessert. This is a recipe my grandmother got when they lived in Poland for 10 years. We usually have this at Christmas and other special occasions. It’s a fairly rich, potent dessert so if children will be eating this you can leave out the alcohol and use 1 tsp each of rum and almond extracts to give the flavor. It is similar to a tiramisu but we use stale or toasted raisin bread or egg loaf slices. You could probably substitute lady fingers.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 2 cups poppy seeds, ground
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 tablespoons honey
• 3 ounces rum
• 6 ounces Amaretto
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup raisins (pre-soaked in a little rum)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 loaf raisin bread (sliced 3/4 thick)
• 2 ounces chocolate, shaved (bitter sweet)
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare a day before because this needs to refridgerate over night.
2. It is sometimes difficult to find ground poppy seeds so I use the poppy seeds, put them in a coffee filter and pour boiling water over the poppyseeds twice, to soften them up, then put them in the food processor, set aside.
3. In a large pot over medium heat bring the milk, cream and butter almost to a boil.
4. While constantly stirring with a wooden spoon, add the honey, rum, amaretto, cinnamon, raisins, walnuts, and almonds.
5. Reduce heat to medium low and let this cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Turn the heat off and add the ground poppy seed, stir twice and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minute( its important to have the heat off because the poppy seeds can become bitter if heated too much).
7. The mixture should be slightly thickened.
8. In a large glass bowl alternate layers the poppy seed mixture and the bread slices, starting with a ladle of the poppy seed mixture and ending with poppy seed mixture.
9. Should be 3 – 4 bread layers.
10. Cover the top with chocolate shavings and almond slices.
11. Cover and put in the fridge overnight.
12. We just serve this out of the bowl like a trifle, it is fairly firm you could probably slice it.
13. Can be served with whipped cream.
14. ( It lasts in the fridge for at least a week).
15. Enjoy.