Butternut Squash and Cheddar Bread Pudding

Butternut Squash and Cheddar Bread Pudding

Adapted from: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Butternut-Squash-and-Cheddar-Bread-Pudding-355792

Serves: 3-4

Preparation Time: 2 hours

1 pound peeled seeded butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)

1.5 Tablespoons olive oil, divided

3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt plus additional for sprinkling

4 large eggs

1 cup half and half

3 Tablespoons dry white wine

3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 day-old baguette (do not remove crust), torn into 1-inch pieces (about 2.5 cups)

1/2 cup chopped shallots (you can use leeks or onion here too)

1 bunch Kale, ribs removed, kale coarsely chopped (or ½ pound braising mix)

4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash with 1 Tablespoon oil on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt; bake until squash is tender, turning with spatula occasionally, 20 to 25 minutes.

Whisk eggs in large bowl. Add half and half, wine, mustard, and 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt; whisk to blend. Add baguette pieces; fold gently into egg mixture. Let soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, heat ½ Tablespoon oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté until soft, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Add kale; cover and cook 2 minutes. Uncover and stir until kale is wilted but still bright green, about 5 minutes (kale will be a bit crunchy).

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Generously butter 8x8-inch square baking dish. Using slotted spoon, transfer half of bread from egg mixture to prepared baking dish, arranging to cover most of dish. Spoon half of kale over bread. Spoon half of squash over bread and kale; sprinkle with half of cheese. Repeat with remaining bread, kale, squash, and cheese. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread pudding.

Cover bread pudding with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake uncovered until custard is set and bread feels springy to touch, about 20 minutes longer.

Preheat broiler; broil pudding until cheese browns slightly, about 2 minutes. Cool 5 minutes and serve.