Janet's Stirred Persimmon Pudding

I was introduced to persimmon pudding by my husband's family. The recipe his mother uses differs from the traditional preparation in that the pudding is periodically stirred during baking. The result is just as tasty, but it resembles spreadable fruit rather than a brownie. For a real treat, top with whipped cream—or skip the whipping and just drown the pudding in half-n-half!

1 quart persimmon pulp
2 cups sugar
2 beaten eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 quart milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a very large bowl, stir together persimmon pulp and sugar. Incorporate beaten eggs, and then stir in flour and baking soda. Add butter, milk, and vanilla; mix well. Pour into 13" x 9" baking dish and bake for 90 minutes (stirring after the first half-hour, and then every 10 minutes thereafter), or until a rich garnet color.

For a half recipe, use a 2-quart baking dish.