Panera Bread Pudding with Apples, Pecans and Raisins

[Darling SilverDodger]

Panera Bread Pudding with Apples, Pecans and Raisins

Delight guests with this fruity bread pudding made with their
signature Cinnamon Raisin bread.

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 loaf Cinnamon Raisin White Bread torn into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup pecan halves
Zest and juice of 1 large orange
1/4 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or rum
8 small baking apples (about 2 pounds) such as Fuji, Gala or Granny
Smith, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 cup apple, quince, or blackberry jam or jelly

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

3. Add the bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until well coated.

4. Add the sugar, pecans, orange zest and juice, cider, and vanilla
extract.

5. Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until a sauce begins to form.

6. In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, layer the bread mixture with the
apples and dot the top with the jam or jelly.

7. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly.

Serves 4