Creamy Berry Summer Pudding

I have been wanting to make a summer pudding for a very long time. With all the fresh fruit coming in, I figured now was my chance. This pudding gives you a burst of fresh, juicy berries on a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh blueberries

2 cups fresh blackberries

1 cup quartered strawberries

1 cup water

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

1 cup whipped cream (sweetened or not-your call)

6-8 (1/4 to ½ inch) slices sturdy bread like challah-just buy a whole, uncut loaf because you may need more depending on the size of the bowl you choose.

Garnish (optional):

Whipped cream

Fresh berries

Directions:

Place the berries, water, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Let cool.

Line a bowl with plastic wrap on all sides, overlapping the edges by a good 4 inches. Spray the plastic with cooking spray. Cut the bread slices to fit all around the bottom and sides of the bowl with some slices to spare for the top. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled berry mixture and fill the center of the bowl. Place the remaining bread slices to cover the top of the pudding and pull the extra edges of the plastic wrap over the top. Place a small plate on top and weigh down with a can of something or other. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. Unmold by removing can, plate and unfolding the top of the plastic wrap. Place a serving plate over the top. Flip it over and remove the bowl and remaining plastic wrap. Slice into big wedges and garnish as desired.