1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
9 eggs
1 quart milk
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup sugar
4-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Warmed blackberry preserves, optional
Whipped cream, optional
Line the bottom of a greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish with six slices of bread. Butter remaining bread; place with butter side up over bread in pan. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, cream, sugar and vanilla; mix well. Pour over bread; let stand for 15 minutes.
Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Pour boiling water into the larger to a depth of 1 inch.
Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with preserves and whipped cream if desired.
Makes 6 servings.