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