INGREDIENTS
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Unsalted butter, softened, for bowls and parchment paper
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3/4 cup vanilla sugar or granulated sugar, plus more for bowls and sprinkling
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1 1/3 cups Armagnac or other good-quality brandy
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7 ounces assorted dried fruits, such as peaches, apricots, and pears
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7 ounces pitted prunes
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5 cups heavy cream
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2 cups half-and-half
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2 whole cinnamon sticks
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2 vanilla beans, halved lengthwise; seeds scraped to loosen
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Zest of 1 orange
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12 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
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2 large loaves day-old brioche (1 pound each), cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes (18 cups)
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Boiling water, for roasting pan
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Sour Lemon Sauce