APPLE BREAD PUDDING WITH BRANDY BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE

Steps:

• PREHEAT THE OVEN to 350°F
• Lightly grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish.
• CRUMBLE THE BREAD into coarse crumbs, using your hands.
• Sprinkle two-thirds of the crumbs into the prepared baking dish.
• Arrange the apple wedges over the bread in rows, overlapping them slightly.
• COMBINE THE EGGS, half-and-half, 1 cup of the sugar, 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, and the nutmeg and cloves in a large bowl.
• Beat well, then pour the mixture over the apples and bread.
• In another bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts with the remaining bread crumbs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
• Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and press down gently so it soaks up some of the liquid.
• Bake until the pudding is lightly browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes.
• MAKE THE SAUCE while the bread pudding is baking.
• Combine the butter and honey in a deep, medium-sized saucepan (the mixture will expand when it boils) and heat over medium-low heat until both are melted and smooth.
• Bring to a boil without stirring and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Reduce the heat and carefully stir in the cream and brandy.
• Cook 1 minute longer.
• Set aside and keep warm until needed.
• LET THE BREAD PUDDING sit for a few minutes before cutting into serving pieces.
• Drizzle a little of the brandy butterscotch sauce over each serving, passing the extra sauce separately.