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Maple-Pecan Bread PuddingDating to the 1800s, bread puddings were commonly made to use up stale bread. Today they're still a delicious treat, fixed with a wide range of flavors. This one uses orange, maple, spices, and pecans.Ingredients: 4 cups French bread cubes 3 eggs, beaten 1-1/2 cups half-and-half or light cream 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup maple syrup or maple-flavor syrup 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves 1 3-inch piece stick cinnamon 1/3 cup small pecan halves, toasted Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place bread cubes in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until toasted, stirring twice. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Stir together beaten eggs, half-and-half or light cream, sugar, vanilla, and orange peel in a medium mixing bowl just until combined. Divide bread cubes evenly among four 8- to 10-ounce au gratin dishes or individual casseroles. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Bake in the 325 degree oven about 35 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool slightly. Meanwhile, combine orange juice, syrup, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat to boiling heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove spices with a slotted spoon. Simmer, uncovered, about 8 minutes more or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Stir in toasted pecan halves. Cool slightly. Spoon sauce over warm bread pudding. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Courtesy of FitnessandFreebies.com Back to Previous Page
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