Bread Pudding with a Rum Glaze

I've never tried bread pudding before tonight. After going through a few cookbooks of my Mom's, I discovered a baking mix in the pantry. So, I tore up 1/3 a loaf of Italian bread, mixed up all my ingredients, and put that baby in the oven.

Then the pan overflowed.

Dinner (Mom made a stew with coconut rice) was quite delicious though, and it turns out the bread pudding was too. I'm afraid I don't have any pictures to document this creation of mine. It's actually better that way. This dessert is a sight for sore eyes.

***

Lately the importance of family has been on my mind. On a mile walk around the neighborhood with the dog, I allowed my mind to wander.

A woman passed me, towing her children around in a red wagon. There were two sweet little girls, waving to the pooch at my side. They were adorable, and so was their mother for even offering to pull them around the block in that thing. I couldn't help but smile.

I love children. I wouldn't be upset if my only connection to danceland was through teaching. Sometimes I even think I would be happier if I forgot about dancing and took up a degree in education. There's no way of telling though.

Months ago Phil asked me what I want to be when I grow up. I said " a wife and a mother". I still mean it today. My desire stems from elsewhere these days though.

There is a difference between enthusiasm for love and vulnerability. I grew up thinking I needed a man to make me happy. I grew up thinking marriage was the only thing I would ever be capable of. Now I'm beginning to seek out independence. This summer I have devoted myself toward learning life skills so that I will never need a man to help with trivial daily tasks. (Although time to time, I might ask for it)

Because of my circumstances, I love that I have figured this out. I am with Phil simply because I love him, not because I need somebody down the line to fall back onto. My current realizations put me at ease-now I can daydream without worry.


No worries, especially when you've got a belly full of bread pudding.