Savory Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. 2
   In a large bowl soak the bread crumbs in the milk for 30 minutes, and set aside.
3. 3
   In a skillet saute the leeks in 4 tablespoons of the butter for 5 minutes until soft.
4. 4
   Add the salt, pepper, thyme and sage, stir well to combine, and set aside to cool.
5. 5
   In a large bowl whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
6. 6
   In another bowl, beat the yolks until they are light yellow and frothy.
7. 7
   Add the yolks to the bread mixture, and stir well.
8. 8
   Add the leeks, and stir well.
9. 9
   Using a rubber spatula, fold the egg whites into the bread mixture.
10. 10
    Butter a 2-quart baking dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
11. 11
    Add the bread mixture, and bake for 45 minutes until golden; serve immediately.