Why was bread pudding called poor man pudding?

The term "poor man's pudding" for bread pudding is a bit of a misnomer. While it's true that bread pudding was a way to use up stale bread, making it a practical and economical dish, it wasn't necessarily solely associated with the poor.

Here's why:

* Stale bread was common: Before refrigeration, bread would go stale quickly, making it a common ingredient in many households.

* Bread pudding was versatile: It could be made with a variety of ingredients, making it adaptable to different budgets.

* It was a delicious and comforting dish: Even if it was made with simple ingredients, bread pudding was still a tasty and satisfying meal.

So, while bread pudding may have been particularly popular among those with limited resources, it was enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It wasn't necessarily a "poor man's" dish, but rather a resourceful and delicious one that everyone could enjoy.