Instructions: 8 SERVINGS DAIRY-FREE

Most healthful bread puddings use sliced whole wheat bread, but I thought it might be fun to experiment with a sweet cornbread instead. The cornbread used here is also ideal for strawberry (or other fruit)

short-cakes, topped with Tofu Cream.

CORNBREAD: Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In medium bowl, sift flour, cornmeal, salt and baking powder. In small bowl, mix oil, soy milk, maple syrup and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix just until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until top is lightly golden brown, about 25 minutes. Set on wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, soak cranberries or cherries in enough water to cover for 20 minutes; drain. In food processor, combine tofu, canola oil, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon, and process until smooth.

Transfer mixture to medium bowl and add cranberries, crumbled cornbread and walnuts; mix well. Pour pudding into a greased 9-inch springform pan, cover lightly with a circle of wax paper. Bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes, then remove side of pan.

Slice pudding and serve with Lemon Glaze if desired.

LEMON GLAZE: dissolve kudzu in water and apple juice. Pour into a small saucepan and bring to a slow simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Add lemon juice, vanilla, maple syrup and zest and continue to stir mixture several minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook 5 minutes more.

Remove pan from heat and let glaze cool. Drizzle over bread pudding slices, if desired.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.