Apple Pie Bread Pudding

“The greatest dishes are very simple.” 

Auguste Escoffier, the “Emperor of Chefs”

When I was in culinary school I was terrified of my Chef Instructor putting me in Bakeshop with a specific item to bake and giving me a set time it had to be ready by mainly because baking was not at the top of my “interest list” and I didn’t want to screw things up thereby throwing a wrench into the Lunch Menu.

As I have now become completely retired both from my regular job and restaurant kitchens I can take the time to practice baking and by using my family as Guinea Pigs I don’t have to worry about ruining someone’s business…….. just my families stomachs.

Here’s how we do this one.

Shopping list:

• 1 19 ounce can of Apple Pie filling
• 6 1/2 cups of Raisin Bread – cubed
• 3 Eggs – whisked
• 2 cups Half and Half
• 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure Vanilla
• A 9 x 13 Baking pan

Putting it all together:

1. Pre heat the oven to 350°
2. Cube the Raisin bread and place in a large bowl.
3. In a second large bowl mix together the remaining ingredients and allow to sit at room temperature for about ten minutes
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the cubed bread and mix until well incorporated being careful not to break up the bread.
5. Grease the baking pan or spray with a non stick cooking spray, pour in the bread pudding mixture making sure it is evenly distributed and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

There you have it another “simple but tasty recipe for the grilling season and beyond.”

Until next time………

                           Bon Appetit