Rustic Vanilla Apple Bread Pudding

Well-executed bread pudding has got to be one of the most amazing desserts ever. The combination of an eggy custard, bread, vanilla and sugar is comforting and delicious, making it difficult for carb lovers like me to eat just a bit. All too often, bread puddings are, however, dry or overwrought disappointments. White chocolate? Bleck! Not enough moisture? Sad. But a good one, moist and dense yet light and drizzled with a warm whiskey sauce, brings me back to Louisiana and the many times my mom made a bread pudding for dessert. Aah.

Today, I added in some butter-sauteed apples as well as steeping my milk with a full vanilla bean. This is going to be a real treat for us tonight; at least I'll prefer it over Halloween candy. Oh dear, will I end up eating the whole thing by myself? Hmm....