This is the perfect comfort food that would surely lift your spirits.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter
2 cups chopped cored cooking apples (about 2 medium)
3 cups day-old bread cubes (about 3 slices)
1/2 cup raisins
4 large eggs
2 cups skim or low-fat milk
1/3 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream, whipped topping or ice cream, optional
Apple wedges, optional

• Set a small saucepan over medium heat. Add butter to melt. Mix in the chopped apples, cooking over medium heat covered. Stir from time to time as it cooks for about 7 minutes.
• Place apples, bread crumbs and raisins in a shallow 1-1/2 quart casserole. Toss lightly.
• Beat eggs with milk, sugar, vanilla and spice in a medium bowl just until sugar dissolves. Top it over the apple mixture and cover.
• Chill for a few hours or overnight.
• For baking, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake mixture for about 55 minutes. Serve immediately adding garnish of whipped cream or apple wedges (optional).
• Makes 8 servings.