Heavenly Lemon Bread Pudding

Description
.

Ingredients

 * 3 rounded cups 1/2-inch bread cubes
 * 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
 * 1 cup whipping cream
 * 1 cup whole milk
 * 1 cup granulated sugar
 * 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
 * 1/4 teaspoon salt
 * 4 large eggs, separated
 * 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
 * Confectioners' Sugar

Directions

 * Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. butter the bottom only of a 2-quart casserole or soufflé dish.


 * Combine bread cubes and lemon zest in large bowl. Set aside.


 * Combine whipping cream, milk, Sugar, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan. Over medium heat, cook until butter melts, stirring occasionally. Pour over bread mixture, and toss. Allow to cool.


 * Lightly beat the egg yolks, then beat in the lemon juice and stir into the bread mixture. Set aside.


 * Beat egg whites in large bowl of electric mixer until stiff peaks form. (Do not over beat). Gently fold egg whites into bread mixture.


 * Pour bread mixture into prepared dish, and bake for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted 1 inch from center comes out clean. The top of the pudding should be golden brown.


 * Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.


 * Dust with confectioner's sugar, if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.