Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce

This is a favorite at our Sunday Brunch.
1 pound French style bread (the firmer the better)
3 1/4 cups milk
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Tear bread into medium pieces. Add sugar and cinnamon. Mix milk, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla. Add to bread mix. Place 1/2 mix in casserole. Layer pecans and raisins, if used. Top with the rest of the mix. Bake at 350� for 30 minutes or until lightly brown. Serve warm with Bourbon sauce.

Bourbon Sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon (or more!) Bourbon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon white corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a sauce pan mix all ingredients. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Serve warm.

AUTHOR: TUDDLES