Summer Berry Pudding

Summer Berry Pudding

A summer pudding is a British warm-weather wonder -
not steamed like a sticky pudding but an easy dish
that sets up thanks to the pectin in the berries.
Be sure to use firm, bakery-quality bread.
Ingredients:
4 small slices firm white bread, crusts removed
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons water
Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Place a 1-cup (8-ounce) ramekin or similar-size dish on top of a slice of bread and cut around it to trim the bread to fit the dish. Repeat with the remaining 3 slices of bread.
Combine berries, sugar, water and salt in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the berries break down, 5 to 6 minutes. Reserve 1/3 cup for garnish; cover and refrigerate.
Place 1 tablespoon of the remaining berry mixture in the bottom of each ramekin. Top with a slice of bread. Divide the remaining berry mixture between each, then top with another slice of bread.
Put the puddings on a large plate to catch any overflowing juices. Cover each with plastic wrap, then place a 15-ounce weight, such as a can of beans, on top of each pudding. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 2 days.
To unmold, remove the weight and plastic wrap, run a knife around the inside of the ramekin, and invert onto a dessert plate. Spoon the reserved berry mixture over the puddings