Makes 8 to 10 servings • Microwave • Microwave-safe bowl • 9 x 13-inch casserole dish (glass, if available) Medium saucepan
Pudding
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter
1 loaf white or French bread (about 9 ounces), torn into 1- to 11/2-inch pieces
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 quart whole milk
Rum Sauce
11/2 cups sugar
11/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) butter, barely melted
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (I use Eagle Brand)
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring
1. Make the pudding: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl (we love modern America!). Do not let it boil, just melt, and set it aside so it will not be too hot.
2. Place the bread in the casserole.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Stir in the sugar and salt. Add the cooled melted butter and gradually stir in the milk. Pour this over the torn bread. Let stand for 30 to 45 minutes for the bread to absorb the liquid.
4. While the pudding is standing, heat the oven to 350°F.
5. Bake the pudding until risen, golden brown, and not runny, about 45 minutes.
6. Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, off the heat, combine the sugar, melted butter, and condensed milk, stirring until well combined.
7. Put the pan on the stove and cook on medium-high heat until thick. Stir to keep it from sticking. If it starts to stick, turn down the heat to low or move the pan off the stove.
8. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk. Add the warm sauce to the egg yolk, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring as you add. You are trying to prevent the egg from cooking to a hard-boiled state.
9. Stir in the vanilla and rum flavoring.
10. Serve the sauce over each piece of bread pudding, or pour over the top of the entire pan of pudding.
A Note from Miss Kay
I have read that bread pudding dates back centuries. Its original purpose was to use stale bread, so nothing was wasted. It is baked worldwide in different ways. Louisianans love a good bread pudding. This recipe is easy to make and delicious. If you’ve never eaten bread pudding, today’s a good day to start!