Today, I had my girl friends and children over. Our kids had their final practice for tomorrow's show. I hope it turns out well. Fingers crossed. This pudding turned out great for dessert! It is a great way to turn your day old bread into a de-lish dish.
What I used: Makes 1-8 inch round/square pan - about 8 servings
6-7 bread slices, diced into large chunks
1 and 1/2 cups white sugar1 cup light brown sugar
4 eggs
2 cups milk
3 tsp brandy
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter at room temperature
1/4 cup raisins
2 tsp cashew nuts
Brown sugar sauce:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp brandy
Grease an 8 inch pan generously with butter. Soak the raisins in brandy for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla. Whisk for a minute. Add milk, whisk another minute. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 15 minutes. Pour into the greased pan.
In another bowl, on low-medium heat, mix brown sugar and butter, when they melt to form a uniform mixture, turn off the heat. Add the raisin soaked brandy and cashews. Drizzle the mixture over the soaked bread. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. The crusts, and cashew should be browned. The pudding should spring back when touched in a serving spoon. Remove from oven. Serve warm with sauce or cold with vanilla ice cream.
Tip: I generally leave the pudding in the oven, after it is turned off for another 30 minutes. The crumbs get crisper. Oh it's so good!