Caramel panettone pud

Method

• step 1

  To make the caramel, put the sugar and hot water into a small, heavy pan over a low-medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved then raise the heat and boil, without stirring, until the caramel is golden brown.

• step 2

  Immediately remove the pan from the heat and quickly pour the caramel into a wide, fairly deep, 1.5 litre/2¾ pint ovenproof dish, swirling it around to cover the base. Set aside.

• step 3

  Preheat the oven to 160C/Gas 3/fan oven 140C. Cut the panettone into 1cm/½in thick slices then remove the dark brown, bottom crust. Butter one side of the slices generously. Put in a single layer, butter-side-up, in the dish.

• step 4

  Using an electric whisk or food mixer, beat the sugar and eggs in a large bowl for 2 minutes, or until thickened. Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan to just below simmering point, then pour on to the egg mixture and stir to combine.

• step 5

  Pour this custard over the panettone, pressing the slices into the liquid. Soak for 10 minutes.

• step 6

  Put the dish on to the middle shelf of the preheated oven, and bake for 55-60 minutes. The pudding is ready when the top is pale gold and dry-looking and the custard set to a just-firm shiver – it should not be completely solid as the custard continues to set as it cools. Leave it to rest for 30 minutes before serving with cream.