Panettone, the Italian cake with candied fruits, is only available at Christmastime in Italian food marts and high-end grocery stores. This bread pudding is definitely the best version I have made over the years. Serve with softly whipped cream and marinated fruit salad (see recipe below).
I also accompany it with a not-very-classic charcuterie plate - prosciutto, salami, crisp fried pancetta and an assortment of cheeses (Quebec blue, Ontario goat cheese, and a hunk of Parmesan with truffle honey on the side) - for a hearty Christmas brunch.