Savory Bread Pudding

From Fine Cooking. Different cheeses and veggies can be substituted for a different flavor.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  tablespoon water
• 1  pinch salt
• 1  lb leek, cleaned and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices (white and light green parts only)
• 5  eggs
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1  cup heavy cream
• 1  lb asparagus, trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1 inch pieces
• 1  lb  dry bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (if fresh, toast lightly)
• 1⁄4 lb Fontina cheese, shredded
• 1⁄4 lb gruyere or 1⁄4 lb cantal cheese, shredded
• 1⁄2 cup  mixed chopped fresh herb (chives, parsley, tarragon, chervil)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  grated lemon, zest of
• 1  pinch cayenne
• 1  teaspoon salt
•  fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the water and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the leeks and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Set aside to cool.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
6. Add the remaining ingredients, including the leeks, and gently toss them.
7. The mixture should be well coated and somewhat soupy.
8. Spread the mixture into a 4-quart soufflé dish, a 13x9-inch baking dish, or another ovenproof dish that's at least 2 inches deep and big enough to hold the mixture.
9. Put the dish on a baking sheet and bake until the top is crusty brown and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean, 45 to 60 minutes.
10. If the pudding looks too dark before it's finished, cover with foil.
11. Let cool slightly before serving.