We all enjoyed the holidays, the parties, the food, the desserts.  Hopefully you weren’t too bad and didn’t gain any weight or didn’t gain much.  I have learned to make desserts that you can eat without much guilt, if any at all.  This is one of our favorites.  A bread pudding made with whole wheat sandwich bread paired with apples.  I don’t even peel them so it is fast and easy to make.  It takes about 10-15 to put together and 45 minute bake time.  Sweetened with molasses and a little raw sugar.  Milk and yogurt add to the protein and calcium.  Apples and cranberries add texture and vitamin C.  My guys just think it is delicious.  Who am I to argue?

You’ll need:

1 1/2 cup low fat milk

1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

1/2 cup molasses

1/4 cup raw sugar

4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, but my favorite are Pink Lady) cored and chopped-no need to peel.

1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional)

4 cups cubed whole wheat sandwich bread

Preheat oven to 350F.  In a large mixing bowl combine milk, yogurt, molasses, sugar, cinnamon, eggs and vanilla.  Whisk until well combined.  Add chopped apple, cranberries (if using) and bread cubes.  Gently fold mixture together making sure all bread is thoroughly coated.  Pour into pre-greased 9×7 (or similar sized) baking dish.  Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Serve warm as is or with vanilla ice cream (Hey-I said almost guilt free!)  Enjoy!