Mulled Wine Barefoot Contessa

Recipe Adapted by Barefoot Contessa

Katie did it again!!!!  I love everything she makes but this drink surprised me.   I didn't think I would like this drink because I am not a fan of apple cider.  But I was wrong...I love this drink and can't wait until Christmas.  I am making it for the family.   I can't wait to impress everybody. 

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider

1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon

1/4 cup honey

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange, zested and juiced

4 whole cloves

3 star anise

4 oranges, peeled, for garnish

1/4  Cup Grand Marnier

Directions

Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve.

Barefoot Contessa's Croissant Bread Pudding

Recipe by~ Barefoot Contessa

  Ingredients

• 3 extra-large whole eggs
• 8 extra-large egg yolks
• 3 cream or half and half
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 6 croissants, preferably stale ( I usually use 7 croissants, even thou the recipe calls for 6) Today I did use 6 because I wanted to see if it made a difference.  I seemed a littler watery at the bottom.  See above picture

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Set the custard mixture aside. Slice the croissants in half horizontally. In a 10 by 15 by 2 1/2-inch oval baking dish, distribute the bottoms of the sliced croissants, then add the raisins, then the tops of the croissants (brown side up), being sure the raisins are between the layers of croissants or they will burn while baking. Pour the custard over the croissants and allow to soak for 10 minutes, pressing down gently.
Place the pan in a larger one filled with 1-inch of hot water. Cover the larger pan with aluminum foil, tenting the foil so it doesn't touch the pudding. Cut a few holes in the foil to allow steam to escape. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 40 to 45 more minutes or until the pudding puffs up and the custard is set. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.