Magazine Monday #21: Caramelized Onion & Brie Bread Pudding

Yesterday was Solstice, and, as I mentioned, I made a big meal - the results of which you'll see on this blog upcoming this week. I wanted to to a side dish/starch that was different from potatoes (I'm not the biggest fan), rice, or noodles, and I've been carting this recipe from Canadian Living's November 2005 issue around for ages (for some reason, it's not in the CL online recipe database...). This was the perfect opportunity to use it!

Caramelized Onion & Brie Bread Pudding

2 tbsp butter
3 onions, thinly sliced (I did so in a food processor)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or wine vinegar
1 tbsp liquid honey
1 tsp dried thyme
5 cups cubed day old baguette
1 cup diced Brie cheese
6 eggs
1 cup each 10% cream and milk
1/2 tsp each ground nutmeg, salt & pepper

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Fry onions, stirring often, until deep golden brown, about 25 minutes. Stir in vinegar, honey, and thyme.

2. In a large bowl, toss together bread, cheese, and onion mixture. Spoon into shallow, greased 8-cup gratin dish.

3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, nutmeg, salt & pepper; pour over bread mixture and press. Let stand until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

4. Bake at 350F until crisp, browned, and knife inserted in centre comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

This was an enormous hit at dinner! Everyone was totally in love with this dish, and I have to say that it was my favourite part of last night's meal. This recipe is a definite keeper!

Next week is the last week I'll be hosting MM, so if you have a recipe, please let me know and I'll put up a link.

Full Flickr set with Solstice meal pictures can be seen here.