Anne's
                "APRICOT BREAD PUDDING"

                Do not preheat oven yet. The
                bread pudding must settle for 30
                minutes before baking.

                8 slices of white (either
                homemade or store bought)
                1/2 cup melted butter
                (1 stick = 1/4 lb.)
                1/3 cup white sugar
                1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
                (do not fine, you want chunks)
                3 beaten eggs (just whip with fork)
                2 1/4 cups light cream or
                Half'n Half

                Generously butter a 2-quart casserole. Remove the crusts from the bread and cut each slice into 4 triangles. (Just make an "X" with your knife.) Melt the butter in a large microwave safe bowl and put in the bread triangles, tossing them lightly with a spoon until they're coated with butter.

                Arrange approximately a third of the triangles in the bottom of the casserole. Sprinkle on a third of the sugar and half of the chopped apricots.

                Put down half of the remaining bread triangles, sprinkle on half of the remaining sugar, and add ALL of the remaining apricots.

                Cover with the rest of the bread triangles. Scrape the bowl to get out any butter that remains in the bottom of the bowl and put that on top. Sprinkle with the last of the sugar and set aside.

                Whip up the eggs in the butter bowl and whisk in the light cream. Pour this over the top of the casserole and let it stand at room temperature for thirty minutes. (This gives the bread time to adsorb the egg and cream mixture.)

                Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and place on middle rack. Bake the bread pudding uncovered, for 45 to 55 minutes, until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.

                Let it cool slightly (five minutes or so) and serve in dessert dishes with heavy cream, sweetened whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the top.

                You can also make this recipe with any dried fruit, including carrots and/or raisins.


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