Russian Apple Charlotte

This used to be a favorite dessert of my Mom's, she wanted me to make it all he time -

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 3  cups apples, thinly sliced
• 8  cups  cubed  stale bread (crusts removed, if you want to make it fancy)
• 1  cup raisins or 1  cup dried cranberries
• 2  eggs
• 2  egg yolks
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  cups  cream or 2  cups milk
• 3  teaspoons cinnamon
• 1  cup  apricot jam
• 4  tablespoons walnuts, chopped
•  whipped cream

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine apple slices, bread crumbs and raisins or cranberries.
2. In another bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks and sugar. Add cream and continue to beat until well blended.
3. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture, stir and let stand for at least 10 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed and raisins are plump. Spoon 1/3 of the mixture into a well-greased 9x9 pan or mould. Press down to fill any spaces. Sprinkle 1 teaspoons cinnamon evenly over top.
4. Add half of the remaining bread mixture. Sprinkle with another teaspoons of cinnamon. Add remaininig bread mixture and cinnamon, and press down firmly so that everything fits tightly.
5. Bake in a 350F oven for 1 hour. Remove form, oven and let stand for 20 minutes before serving.
6. Cut into 3-inch squares and serve, topped with a spoonful or two of melted jam. Sprinkle with walnuts. Whipped cream is also optional.