Spiced Fresh Tomato Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. 2
   Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
3. 3
   In a large saucepan, combine tomatoes, 1 cup of the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt and remaining 3 tablespoons butter.
4. 4
   Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Stir in vanilla.
6. 6
   Add bread cubes; stir until bread is well-coated.
7. 7
   In a small bowl, stir 1/2 cup hot bread mixture into egg.
8. 8
   Gradually stir egg-coated bread into remaining bread mixture.
9. 9
   Spoon into prepared baking pan.
10. 10
    Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup sugar.
11. 11
    Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
12. 12
    Serve warm with sweetened whipped cream, if desired.