Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Best Bread Pudding

We belong to an informal dinner group.
It all started about 3 years ago with one other couple...
we would meet once a week, after work, and share a few appetizers.

The following year...
Another couple joined us on occasion.
Their children are younger and involved in many school activities.

This year...depending on schedules...
attending school activities,
visiting adult children.
caring for aging parents.
traveling for work...

We enjoy Monday night conversation with 4 other couples.


Sometimes we go out...
Sometimes we meet in our homes.

The couple that is hosting, prepares the main dish.
The rest of us bring either an appetizer, side dish, salad or dessert.


Last evening, I brought
And Paula isn't exaggerating...
It was the best!

When I got home from school, I cubed the bread and laid it out on a baking sheet in a warm oven.
(The ingredients are staples that you will find in your kitchen at home.)

2 cups granulated sugar
5 large beaten eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups cubed Italian bread, allow to stale overnight in a bowl

(I think it is important to use a good quality vanilla)

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup chopped pecans
The Brown Sugar, Butter and Pecan Topping is amazing.
And if you wish, you can prepare the Special Sauce.



1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup brandy


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.
Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter, and pecans.


Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.


For the sauce:
Mix together the granulated sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold.


It's a wonderful way to start our work week.

Take care,
~Natalie



6 comments:

Oklahoma Granny said...

I've never tried Paula's Bread Pudding but if it's anywhere near as wonderful as her "Not Yo Momma's Banana Pudding" then I know exactly what you're saying.

jdavissquared said...

yum! We had small group last night too! We meet every other week with three other couples from our church. It's always a great time, and helps focus us on what's important in life.

Joan Minervini said...

Thank you for this recipe. My hubby loves this and always selects it at our local buffet. So now I can make it for him.
Thanks! Joan

Suzanne said...

I've never made bread pudding. It looks fabulous. I'll have to give it a try! Wish we could be in on your dinner group. I'd love to get together with you once a week!

Kat S. said...

I love Bread Pudding! Have been making it since I was a teenager --way back in the olden days! For me it was always best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, bread pudding ala mode! PS: love Paula too!

marie said...

The recipe sounds yummy and I love that you meet once a week with other couples! You're right, that would be a great way to begin a week!!

Love that dining table too! It's so big!

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