Grease a 2 pint ovenproof serving dish
with 1/3 of the butter. Butter the bread and spread with the
apricot jam. Cut the slices into small triangles. Layer the bread in the dish, sprinkling
the mixed peel and sultanas between the layers. Place the milk and sugar in a saucepan and
heat to just below boiling point. Remove from the heat and whisk in the
eggs. Strain the mixture over the bread and
leave to soak for 30 minutes. Place the dish in a roasting tin and fill
with water to halfway up the sides; bake in a preheated oven, 350F, gas
mark 4, for 45 minutes. Increase the heat to 375F, gas mark 5, and
cook for a further 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden on top and just
set. Serve at once.