Old Fashioned Bread Pudding

Each year, we celebrate Mother's Day on the Saturday before so that our three sons can spend the actual day with their mothers-in-law. Plus, it gives our daughter a well-deserved day off as well.  This allows us to spend the day with all of our children and grandchildren without having them sit in traffic. 

Brunch is one of our favorite meals on Mother's Day Saturday and bread pudding always seems to make it to our table.  This recipe is easy to make and so delicious. It's like a French Toast casserole.  Try topping it with a little powdered sugar,  maple syrup and whipped cream.

INGREDIENTS

• 4-5 cups of broken bread pieces or cubes. Some ideas to use are: french bread, buns, rolls, challah, toast or another type of bread.)
• 2 Tablespoons of butter 
• 4 Beaten Eggs
• 2 cups Half & Half
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins (if desired)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and butter the inside of a 8 in. square baking dish.
2. Break bread in to the buttered baking dish.
3. Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter, and drizzle over bread pieces.
4. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients, beating the eggs first, until mixed well.
5. Pour this mixture over the bread, press to coat each piece.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top of the bread pudding springs back after lightly touching it with a fork.

Note:  Makes about 6 servings. Recipe can be doubled.