Early Morning Walk-And Breakfast

One of the best things about an early morning walk is that a usually crowded city park can be almost empty.   This morning we walked in Liberty State Park at 6:30.  ( Dr. Zira didn't go with us because her arthritis makes her not fond of walks that are longer then around the block.  She is getting her stitches from her surgery out today though!)

The other nice thing about an early morning walk is you have plenty of time to make an indulgent weekend breakfast.

Ina Garten's French Toast Bread Pudding

1 loaf Challah bread (I  use the bread they sell at Whole Foods)
5 cups half and half
8 eggs
3 tbsp honey
zest and juice of one large orange
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp kosher salt


Preheat oven to 350.   Slice Challah 1/4 inch thick and lay in a 9X11X13 baking pan.   Whisk the half and half, eggs, honey, zest and orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt together in a large bowl.   Pour the half and half egg mixture over the bread.  

Place the baking pan in a large roasting pan.   Pour hot tap water in the roasting pan, enough to come 1 inch up the sides of the baking pan.  Cover the roasting pan in foil and cut 2 slits to allow steam to escape.  Bake for 45 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake 40 to 45 minutes longer.  Serve with maple syrup and confectioners sugar.