I haven't had bread pudding more than a few times in my life and I'd never made it myself till tonight, but the craving struck me so I decided to give it a try. After skimming a few recipes online I learned that it was a fairly simple dessert and just the ticket to use up some leftovers in my refrigerator that might otherwise go bad before eaten – the last of a loaf of bread, a few eggs, milk, and the lonely apple in the fruit bowl. Add a little butter, cinnamon and sugar and you've got bread pudding!
Here's the basic recipe:
1. Preheat the oven to 350. Layer a 9x12 baking pan or a similar size with about 6 slices of bread (or an amount that adequately fills the pan). You can use a variety of breads... french bread, white bread, cinnamon bread, rolls, etc.
2. Thinly slice 2 tablespoons of butter and distribute it over the bread - pop the pan in the oven just long enough to melt the butter, then take it out.
3. In a bowl, combine 2 cups milk, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour that mixture over the bread and allow it a few minutes to soak in while you thinly slice a large apple. Arrange the apple slices over top the bread in one layer.
4. Baking time will depend upon your oven and the depth and size of your pan. Check after 15 minutes, but it may take up to 40 minutes. The bread pudding is done when the top springs back when you tap it lightly or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Variations:
You may want to try raisins, nuts, sliced peaches or pears. You could also substitute brown sugar or add a few dashes of nutmeg. It would be really yummy served with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream!