Maple Bread And Butter Pudding

1. 1

   1. Preheat oven to 325Au00b0F (160Au00b0C). Grease 13 X 9-inch (3 L) glass baking dish with 2 tbsp (25 ml) butter.

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   2. Discard end slices of loaf. Spread 1/2 cup (125 ml) butter evenly over one side of each bread slice. Arrange six of the bread slices, buttered side up, in a single layer on the bottom of prepared dish. Cut a seventh slice in half and wedge in among other slices to fill the bottom of the dish; sprinkle half of the apricots evenly over the top. Repeat with remaining seven bread slices and apricots for a second layer; set aside.

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   3. Combine milk, cream and salt in a large saucepan. Using the tip of a sharp knife, scrape vanilla seeds into pan; add seedless vanilla bean pods. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Once boiling, remove from heat. Whisk together eggs and sugar in large bowl for about 1 minute or until pale yellow. Gradually whisk in 1 cup (250 ml) of the hot milk mixture until combined. Slowly whisk in remaining milk mixture until fully combined. Pour custard through fine sieve into large bowl; discard vanilla bean pods.

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   4. Pour strained custard over the top of the bread. Using a spatula, gently press down on bread slices so they soak up custard. Place dish in a large roasting pan; add enough warm water to pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

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   5. Bake in centre of oven for 40 to 45 minutes, pressing bread down gently with spatula at halfway point, or until puffed and set around edges with a slight jiggle in centre. Transfer pudding in water bath to rack to cool.

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   6. Meanwhile, heat jam with 2 tbsp (25 ml) water in small saucepan over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquefied. Carefully remove pudding from water bath; brush surface with warmed jam. Serve hot or at room temperature.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.