Bread Pudding With Apples, Pecans and Raisins

Description: Got this recipe from the Panera Bread web site. I love bread pudding and always looking for great recipes. I haven't made it yet but wanted to store it here.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 loaf cinnamon, raisin white bread torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup pecan halves
• 1 orange, juice and zest of, large
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon rum
• 8 small baking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (Fuji, Gala or Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup blackberry jam or 1/2 cup jelly

Steps:

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.