[mmchummel]

Breakfast Bread Pudding


4 large eggs, well beaten
2 1/4 cups half and half
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
Orange zest from half of an orange
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
7 to 9 slices raisin bread cut into 1/2-inch pieces
(you will need 4 cups bread cubes)
1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup chopped pecans
2 or 3 tablespoons butter, cubed

1. Preheat oven to 350-degrees and very lightly spray the bottom of a
2-quart baking dish.

2. Combine beaten eggs and half and half and mix well with a whisk or
electric mixer. Add both sugars, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg and
ginger and mix well.

3. Combine bread cubes, pecans, and apples in a bowl and toss to mix..

4. Transfer to baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread
cubes. Arrange butted on top.

5. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in
center comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes.

6. Serve warm. May serve with whipped cream, ice cream, bourbon sauce
or caramel sauce. Garnish with apples and orange peel strips.

Recipe Courtesy of Lyn Nichols, Host of What's Cookin'