Petroleum Club Bread Pudding

Source: San Antonio Express News - Petroleum Club, San Antonio, Texas

3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
2 cups milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
5 cups stale French bread cubes
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup dried apricots, diced
1/2 cup pecan pieces
Whipped cream, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add milk and melted butter; mix to combine well; set aside.

Grease an 8-inch square baking pan, then add bread cubes. Sprinkle dried fruit and pecans over top and press in to combine. Pour milk mixture over bread and press down with fingers to completely immerse bread and to distribute liquid evenly. Let mixture sit for 20 to 30 minutes, periodically pressing down to allow the bread to absorb all of the liquid.

Bake for about 50 minutes or until pudding is brown and puffy. Serve warm with freshly whipped cream.

Makes 6 generous servings.