2 c. pitted bing cherries, halved
1/4 c. brandy
2 c. each: half and half, milk
3 eggs
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1 loaf stale French bread, torn into pieces, about 7 c.
1/4 c. melted butter

Mix pitted cherries and brandy in small bowl. Let stand, covered, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Generously butter a 3 quart baking dish. Mix half and half, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in large bowl. Add bread and cherry mixture. Stir to mix. Stir in butter.

Pour mixture in prepared dish. Bake until top is golden and crusty, about 1 hour. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if you wish. Makes 6 to 8 servings.