Sharing some Christmas cheer

I’m sending some Christmas cheer your way today in the form of a must-try dessert recipe.  If you’re looking for a crowd pleaser to serve over the holidays, look no further!

I found the perfect BREAD PUDDING recipe, courtesy of Paula Deen’s book, “Christmas with Paula Deen”.  In case you’re groaning thinking about the amount of butter that might be involved, it can be reduced a bit.  I’ve made this recipe a couple of times now and I found two things:

1.  You can easily reduce the amount of sugar (the amounts listed below have already been reduced).

2.  Everyone will want seconds. 🙂

You probably have everything you need on hand to make this decadent dessert, except for the loaf of bread.  It’s easy and DELICIOUS.

BREAD PUDDING

1 1/2 c. sugar

5 large eggs, beaten

2 c. milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 Large loaf  Italian or French bread, cubed.  Allow to “stale” overnight (or place pieces in a 250-degree oven for 10 minutes) *I used French bread

3/4 c. packed light brown sugar

1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter, softened

1 c. chopped pecans, optional

SAUCE

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted – can be reduced as well

1 egg, beaten

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 c. brandy, optional

1.  Preheat oven to 350-degrees.  Grease a 9×13″ baking pan.

2.  Mix the sugar, eggs, and milk in a large bowl; add the vanilla.  Pour over the cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.  In another bowl, mix and crumble together the brown sugar, butter, and pecans.  Pour the bread mixture into the pan.  Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set.  Remove from the oven.

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

I hope you’re enjoying the season…..and remember while you’re off nibbling some bread pudding, Santa likes chocolate chip cookies! 🙂

– Cindy

Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design.  She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. See her best-selling jewelry design book, The Missing Link.

Tagged as: Recipes