Dried cherries add a tart and festive flavor.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

　　1 loaf of stale French bread

　　1 quart milk

　　3 eggs

　　1 1/2 cups sugar

　　2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

　　1 cup dried cherries

　　Heavy cream, for serving

　　

Step 1

1. Cut bread in 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Pour milk over it; let stand for 1 hour.

　　

Step 2

2. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13x2-inch ovento- table baking dish.

　　

Step 3

3. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Stir this into the bread mixture. Add the dried cherries.

　　

Step 4

4. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool to room temperature, cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight.

　　

Step 5

5. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Reheat, covered with foil, at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Pass a pitcher of cream to moisten.

　　

Nutrition Per Serving

Per serving: 420 calories

　　80g carbohydrates

　　12g protein

　　5g fat

　　90mg cholesterol

　　#### Nutritional analysis provided by Other