PINEAPPLE MERINGUE BREAD PUDDING
3 c. 1/2" cubes French bread
1 (15 1/4 oz.) can crushed pineapple,
drained (reserve syrup)
3 eggs, separated
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. coconut milk (1 (7 3/4 oz.) can
sweetened reconstituted coconut
juice can be substituted)
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 c. sugar
Place bread cubes in greased oblong baking dish, 10" x 6" x 1 1/2" or square baking dish, 8"x8"x2". Spread pineapple on top. Beat egg yolks slightly; stir in brown sugar, lemon peel, cinnamon, salt and the reserved syrup. Slowly stir in milk. Pour over bread cubes and pineapple. Bake, uncovered in 350 degree oven until knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, continue beating until stiff and glossy. Spread over pudding. Bake until delicate golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.