Swedish Apple Bread Pudding - cooking recipe

Ingredients

9 slices firm white bread, cut into halves
2 c. half and half (light cream)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla
6 medium-sized tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamon
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, cream (optional)

Preparation

Place bread slices in a single layer in a shallow pan.
Evenly drizzle 1/2 cup of half and half over bread.
In a medium saucepan mix sugar and water.
Bring to boiling.
Cover.
Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla.
Return to medium heat.
Add about a third of the apple slices and simmer each portion 3 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon.
Reserve sugar syrup.