Bread pudding with berries

  Bread pudding is one of my favorite things to make. It's super easy and best of all you can eat it for breakfast! I used croissants the first time I made it, because they are Tommy's favorite. While croissant bread pudding is arguably the best kind because of the bonus butter the croissants provide, I wanted to lighten it up just a little. This time I used stale french bread cut into cubes, and it turned out super delicious.

The recipe below is for croissant bread pudding specifically, but works equally well with french bread. I also added some frozen berries, and a splash of orange juice to brighten it up. Seriously, if you haven't made bread pudding, do so...now. 

Recipe courtesy of Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients

nocoupons

• 3 extra-large whole eggs
• 8 extra-large egg yolks
• 5 cups half-and-half
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 6 croissants, preferably stale, sliced horizontally
• 1 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

  In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Set the custard mixture aside. Slice the croissants in half horizontally. In a 10 by 15 by 2 1/2-inch oval baking dish, distribute the bottoms of the sliced croissants, then add the raisins, then the tops of the croissants (brown side up), being sure the raisins are between the layers of croissants or they will burn while baking. Pour the custard over the croissants and allow to soak for 10 minutes, pressing down gently.

  Place the pan in a larger one filled with 1-inch of hot water. Cover the larger pan with aluminum foil, tenting the foil so it doesn't touch the pudding. Cut a few holes in the foil to allow steam to escape. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 40 to 45 more minutes or until the pudding puffs up and the custard is set. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. 

  Here is a picture of actual croissant bread pudding made from the recipe provided (with blueberries added). See the custard at the bottom of the pan? Aaaahh, yeaahh.