Chilled Berry Pudding with Cream

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Trim the slices of bread to fit snugly in an ideally straight-sided 9 × 5-inch loaf pan (there will be enough for three layers), and set them aside.

   Step 2

   Combine the berries, sugar, and salt in a large nonreactive saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, stir again, and cook for 1 minute, until the sugar is just dissolved and the berries have begun to release their juices but are not cooked. Let cool slightly and then add the lemon juice. Strain the berry juice into a bowl and set both the berries and the juice aside.

   Step 3

   Lightly grease the loaf pan and line it with plastic wrap, leaving enough wrap on the ends to cover the pudding later. Spoon one third of the berries into the pan in an even layer. Dip a few slices of the bread into the berry juice and arrange them to cover the bottom of the pan completely. Spoon another third of the berries onto the bread. Repeat the process, finishing with a layer of bread on top. Pour the remaining berry juice over the pudding. Fold the plastic wrap snugly over the top and cover with a piece of cardboard, trimmed to fit inside the pan. Weight it with a few cans or a brick wrapped in foil, set it on a plate to catch any drips, and refrigerate overnight or for up to 2 days.

   Step 4

   To serve, unmold the pudding onto a serving platter, and slice. Serve with a pitcher of cold cream for pouring on top.