The ultimate makeover: Bread & butter pudding

INGREDIENTS

• 50g dried apricots , chopped
• 25g raisins
• 2 tbsp brandy
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp golden caster sugar
• 2 tsp custard powder
• 350ml semi-skimmed milk
• ½ vanilla pod , split
• zest 1 small lemon , pared off in strips with a veg peeler
• 4 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche
• 25g butter , softened
• 4 medium slices good white bread , crusts left on, such as sliced from a small white farmhouse loaf
• 1 tbsp apricot conserve or jam
• ¼ tsp icing sugar , for sifting