Submitted by: Colleen and Jeff Prentiss
Prep Time: 40 minutes Baking Time: 1 hour Oven Temp: 350 degrees
Bread puddings are a favorite home-style dessert in many countries. Here is an appealing Swedish version, in which the bread is layered with tart, poached apple slices, then puffily baked in a spiced custard.
For 6 servings, you will need the following:
9 slices, firm white bread, cut into halves 2 cups half-and-half (light cream) 1/2 cup each of sugar and water 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 6 medium sized tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced 2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom 2 tablespoons butter Cream (optional)Preparation: Place bread slices in a single layer in a shallow pan. Evenly drizzle 1/2 cup of the half and half over bread.
In a medium saucepan, mix sugar and water, bring to boiling. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Return to medium heat. Add about a third of the apple slices, and simmer each portion 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Reserve sugar syrup.
When all apples are poached, line a buttered shallow 2 1/2 quart baking dish with about a third of the bread slices; top with half of the poached apples. Make a layer of another third of the bread. Coverevenly with remaining apples. Cover with the rest of the bread.
Beat eggs slightly: mix in cinnamon and cardamom, then remaining 1 1/2 cups half and half and the sugar syrup from poaching apples. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread. Dot with butter.
Bake at 350 degrees until top layer of bread is brown and crusty, about 1 hour. Serve hot or at room temperature, with cream, if you wish.
