BREAD PUDDING
4 beaten eggs
2 1/4 cups milk
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel (optional)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups dry French bread cubes or regular bread cubes
1/3 cup dried tart red cherries, dried cranberries, or raisins (I used raisins)
1 recipe Whiskey Sauce (optional)
1. In a bowl beat together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, orange peel and cinnamon. In an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish toss together bread cubes and dried fruit; pour egg mixture evenly over bread mixture.
2. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or till a nife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool slightly. If desired, serve warm with Whiskey Sauce. Makes 8 servings.
WHISKEY SAUCE
1/4 cup butter
½ cup sugar
1 beaten egg yolk
2 tablespoons water
1 to 2 tablespoons bourbon
1. In a small saucepan melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, egg yolk, and water. Cook and constantly stir the mixture for 5 to 6 minutes or till sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Remove from heat; stir in bourbon. Serve warm.
