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COWS4YOU · 11-11-2009, 11:52 PM

With Thanksgiving 2 weeks away, I figured it was time to start thinking of desserts for that big turkey dinner. I discovered that today is National Indian Pudding Day. Native American Indians were very much a part of the first Thanksgiving feast. It is quite likely that these puddings were served, and enjoyed, at that first Thanksgiving.

National Indian Pudding Day is a day to enjoy puddings created by native American Indians. What exactly is Indian Pudding? Indian pudding is a baked custard with milk, butter, molasses, eggs, spices, and cornmeal. The name is likely derived from the cornmeal, known as indian meal way back when.

American Indian puddings are defined as a number recipes of native American Indian origin. Generally, they include molasses and cornmeal. Apples were often an ingredient. They were usually baked. Indian Pudding is a traditional New England Thanksgiving classic. Since oven space is usually very limited come Thanksgiving day, I found this crockpot version of Indian Pudding. I have not tried it, so I have no idea how it is. Have a great Thursday everyone! The weekend is almost here.

Ingredients:

* 3 c. milk
* 1/2 c. cornmeal
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 3 eggs
* 1/4 c. light brown sugar
* 1/3 c. molasses
* 2 tbsp. butter
* 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp. allspice
* 1/2 tsp. ginger
* 2/3 cup chopped dates or chopped raisins

Preparation:
Lightly grease crockpot. Preheat on high for 20 minutes. Meanwhile bring milk, cornmeal and salt to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Cover and simmer an additional 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, molasses, butter, and spices. Gradually beat in hot cornmeal mixture; whisk until smooth. Stir in raisins or finely chopped dates. Pour into crock and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.