Bread Pudding with Rum with shallots

2 golden delicious apples or 2 jonagold apples 1 tablespoon butter 6 plain croissants 4 whole eggs 2 egg yolks 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup[...]

1/3 lb dried tart cherry 12 ounces Italian bread, sliced 1 inch thick (rustic) 4 cups low-fat milk (1%) 2 cups half-and-half 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon[...]