Jam and Bread Pudding

Jam and Bread Pudding
SERVES: 6 TO 8

This dessert is also a terrific breakfast topped with maple syrup.

INGREDIENTS
One 1-pound loaf challah bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon whole milk or
half-and-half
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375. Butter a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Arrange half of the challah in the dish; tear the slices to fit. Spread 3/4 cup of the jam on top; cover with the remaining challah.

2. Whisk the eggs, sugar, 2 1/2 cups of the milk and the vanilla and pour over the challah; press to soak and brush with 4 tablespoons of the butter. Cover with foil and bake for 24 minutes, removing the foil halfway through, until the pudding is set; remove from the oven.

3. Preheat the broiler. Blend the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk with the confectioners' sugar. Add the remaining butter and jam and stir until the glaze is smooth. Spread all but 1/4 cup of the glaze over the pudding and broil until the glaze is golden. Drizzle the bread pudding with the remaining glaze and serve.