recipe from joythebaker.com

1 1/2 - 2 loaves stale French baguettes

3 eggs

3 cups whole milk

1 cup half and half

1/3 cup butter 

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons Grand Marnier

2 cups sliced peaches, fresh or frozen

1 cup blackberries, fresh

3/4 cup pecan halves 

dash of cinnamon 

Begin by tearing the stale french bread into bite sized pieces.  This can be done by hand, because pieces do not have to look perfect, just need to be roughly the same size.  Place all of the bread pieces into a 9x13-inch baking pan and top with peaches and berries.  Using your hands, toss the fruit into the bread pieces so they are evenly distributed through the pan.  Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, heat butter and 3 cups milk.  Heat just until butter melts, but milk should not boil.

While milk and butter are heating, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla extract and Grand Marnier.  Slowly whisk the warmed milk and butter mixture into the eggs and half and half mixture.  Pour the entire mixture on top of the bread pieces and fruit.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. 

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Remove the plastic wrap from the bread pudding, sprinkle with cinnamon  and place in the oven for 45-55 minutes.  The bread pudding will still wiggle when shaken, but will set during the cooling process.   Let set for at least 30 minutes, once removed from the oven.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  

I love this served warm with vanilla ice cream!