Maple Bacon Bread Pudding

This sweet-savory bread pudding makes a great brunch on a chilly winter morning. Serve sprinkled with additional crisp, crumbled bacon or chopped pecans, if desired. While light amber Grade A maple syrup may be the best for pancakes, dark amber or even the more economical Grade B will offer the most flavor here. Eggs don’t stay well on the keep-warm setting. Over time, they can break, leaving a watery mess in the slow cooker, so it’s better to eat them when they’re ready.

• Unsalted butter for greasing the crock
• 1 24-inch baguette cut into 3/4-inch cubes (7 to 8 cups)
• 8 oz. sliced bacon
• 8 large eggs, at room temperature
• 5 cups whole or low-fat milk
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Generously butter the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker crock.

Heat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toast, turning the cubes twice, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Set aside.

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble the bacon into the slow cooker. Add the bread cubes, and toss well.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the bread cubes and bacon, using the back of a wooden spoon to press the top bread cubes into the liquid to moisten them. Let stand in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator and gently toss with a rubber spatula. Cook on low until set, about 2-1/2 hours. Serve by scooping out large spoonfuls.