Ingredients

  • Butter
  • 4 1/2 cups cubed challah bread
  • 3 cups peeled and diced Fuji apples
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 cups half-and-half*
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream, recipe follows
  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 11 by 13-inch baking dish with room temperature butter.
  • Place cubed challah in the baking dish.
  • Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar and cranberries.
  • Pour over bread.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together half-and-half, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
  • Pour custard over bread.
  • Allow to saturate for a few minutes.
  • Bake for 40 minutes until pudding sets.
  • Serve with whipped cream.
  • Place a medium bowl in the freezer for 1 hour before whipping cream.
  • Add heavy cream to chilled bowl and whip with a hand mixer.
  • Add liqueur and powdered sugar and combine well.
  • *Cook's Note: this is the correct amount.