Strawberries and Cream Bread Pudding

She's taken this long to post and now she's back with ugly photos and even uglier lookin' food?!

I bet that's what you're thinkin', right? Well, this is one of those recipes you'll have to take my word for because, I won't lie, it doesn't photograph well. It's good. Guaranteed to make you lick the bowl, and your fingers... and whatever else the creamy topping happens to land on, because you'll want to savor every last bit of it.

Strawberry ice cream fans, this recipe's for you. It's like a bread pudding, except it's made with a spongy cake (recipe below), and it includes fresh strawberries, and the aforementioned messy creamy topping, of course. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top or eat it right outta the bowl, it's good either way. BUT eat it cold, like right after you've taken your morning jog on another scorching hot day, when you really need a sweet reward for all your hard work. Don't feel guilty, either, this is actually pretty lean...but I can't say it's low in calories ;).

Speaking of sweet rewards, I was recently rewarded for my hard work. 21 hours of intense work. Let's just say, they don't call it labor for nothin'. Here's my sweet reward, and the reason why I've been gone for so long :).

Gluten-Free Zucchini Carrot Cranberry Bread

Hello, Fall! Technically, you're still 3 days away but I'm already celebrating your arrival. You are my favorite season, after all! I love you so much that I decided to bake a loaf of gluten-free sweet bread in your honor. And guess what? It actually turned out pretty tasty, even though this is the first time I've made zucchini bread and used teff flour (...will be using it again, it is super-nutritious and scrumptious!).


You've been trying to sneak up on us, but the red and gold leaves rustling in the cool breeze are hinting that you're right around the corner! ... And because this bread was made just for you, it slightly captures your warm shades of earthy orange, fading greens, and even a few sprinkles of red and yellow! Can't wait 'til you're officially here :)! Recipe is below the poem...

And when the silver habit of the clouds
Comes down upon the autumn sun, and with
A sober gladness the old year takes up
His bright inheritance of golden fruits,
A pomp and pageant fill the splendid scene.
There is a beautiful spirit breathing now
Its mellow richness on the clustered trees,
And, from a beaker full of richest dyes,
Pouring new glory on the autumn woods,
And dipping in warm light the pillared clouds.
From Autumn by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow