Recipe: Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Cheesecake (13x9-inch)

OLD FASHIONED BREAD PUDDING CHEESECAKE

"Bread puddings are a true comfort food. Homey and nostalgic, they can be prepared for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner or dessert. Here is a pudding that is ideal for a luncheon or a family dessert. The addition of cream cheese and lemon give it the flavor of a cheesecake but much lighter, of course."

8 slices stale or toasted French bread
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, at room temperature
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/3 cup dried currants
FOR SERVING:
Sour cream
Strawberry jam and sour cream OR Fresh strawberry slices, sour cream and chopped pecans

In a 9x13-inch buttered porcelain casserole, place bread slices in one layer.

Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in the next 6 ingredients until blended. Evenly pour mixture over the bread slices and allow to stand for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 40 minutes, or until casserole is puffed and golden.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream with fresh sliced strawberries or strawberry jam.

Makes 8 servings
Source: With Love from Darling's Kitchen by Renny Darling