Bread Pudding

I love these sorts of dishes - bread pudding, rice puddings, custards, etc.  Love!  Yummy and frugal.  A great way to use up bread scraps.

2 c. milk or half and half

1/4 c. butter

2/3 c. brown sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. vanilla

3 c. bread, torn into small pieces

1/2 c. raisins or berries (optional)

In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, heat milk just until film forms over the top.  Add butter to milk, stirring until the butter is melted.  Cool to lukewarm.  Combine sugar, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.  Beat for one minute then add slowly milk mixture.  But bread in 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, sprinkle with fruit, pour batter on top then bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until set. 

Sauce

1 c. milk

2 Tbsp. butter

1/3 c. sugar (brown or white)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 Tbsp. flour

dash of salt

Mix and bring to a boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.  Set aside for 5 minutes then pur on warm bread pudding.