CRANBERRY-APPLE PECAN BREAD PUDDING

Cranberry-Apple Pecan Bread Pudding

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
8 slices raisin bread, diced
2 medium green cooking apples
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 eggs
2 cups half-and-half or milk
1/4 cup bourbon or brandy
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread pecans in a shallow baking pan and toast until golden, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, place bread cubes in a greased 3-quart or larger crockpot. Peel, core and thinly slice the apples on top of bread.

Mix together the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; add eggs and mix well. Blend in half and half or milk and then stir in bourbon or brandy. Lightly mix pecans with bread and apples; stir in dried cranberries. Pour egg mixture over all. Drizzle with butter.

Cover and cook on LOW until apples are tender when pierced and custard is set; about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. Let pudding stand, covered, for about 15 minutes.

Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.