Apple, Bacon, and Leek Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   1.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place bread cubes in two 15x10x1-inch baking pans or shallow roasting pans.
3. 3
   Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until crisp, rotating and stirring once.
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   Set aside.
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   2.
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   Heat a very large skillet over medium-high heat.
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   Add bacon and cook until crisp; drain bacon on paper towels, reserving 3 tablespoons drippings in skillet.
8. 8
   Crumble bacon; set aside.
9. 9
   Add mushrooms to skillet; cook about 7 minutes or until just brown.
10. 10
    Stir in leeks and garlic; cook until just tender.
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    Add apples; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until apples begin to soften.
12. 12
    Remove from heat; add crumbled bacon and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
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    3.
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    In a 4-quart casserole or Dutch oven combine eggs, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, bread cubes, and the leek mixture; toss well.
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    Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
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    4.
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    Remove from refrigerator.
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    Let stand 30 minutes.
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    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes.
20. 20
    Uncover and bake 30 minutes more or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 170 degrees F. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.
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    Makes 12 servings.