Heavenly Lemon Bread Pudding

Description
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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

 * 1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. butter the bottom only of a 2-quart casserole or soufflé dish.
 * 2) Combine bread cubes and lemon zest in large bowl.
 * 3) Set aside.
 * 4) Combine whipping cream, milk, Sugar, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan.
 * 5) Over medium heat, cook until butter melts, stirring occasionally.
 * 6) Pour over bread mixture, and toss.
 * 7) Allow to cool.
 * 8) Lightly beat the egg yolks, then beat in the lemon juice and stir into the bread mixture.
 * 9) Set aside.
 * 10) Beat egg whites in large bowl of electric mixer until stiff peaks form. (Do not over beat).
 * 11) Gently fold egg whites into bread mixture.
 * 12) Pour bread mixture into prepared dish, and bake for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted 1 inch from center comes out clean.
 * 13) The top of the pudding should be golden brown.
 * 14) Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
 * 15) Dust with confectioner's sugar, if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.