I love panettone, and I also love bread puddings. This recipe combines both for a yummy, special, festive treat.

Panettone Pudding (serves 6)

1 x 250g slice panettone
1 vanilla pod
250ml milk
50ml double cream
4 eggs
125g caster sugar
60g unsalted butter, softened
Whipping cream (optional)

Butter the panettone on 1 side and set aside. Butter a baking tray deep & wide enough for the panettone to fit snugly.
Cut the vanilla pod in half lengthways and scrape the seeds into a pan. Add the scraped-out pod to the pan along with the milk and the cream and bring to the boil.
Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until pale in colour. Pour the boiled milk over the egg mix and whisk until evenly mixed. Strain the liquie through a fine sieve and set aside.
Lay the panettone in the tray and pour the liquid over until it just covers the panettone. Play this tray into a larger tray and fill the bottom tray three quarters full with hot water.
Cook the pudding in the oven at 150C/300F/gas mark 2 for about 45 mins until the custard starts to set in the middle.
Serve with a little whipped cream -(optional! )