A Little Baking Therapy

Hey everyone!  As I've mentioned several times, The Man and I have been following the low-carb eating route for awhile now, so I haven't baked anything in quite some time. It is paying off, we've both lost weight and inches and feel better for it.   But, here's the rub, I love to bake.  I love the whole process of baking, probably more than the actual eating, but I do enjoy that, too!  So, when our ladies' group here in our neighborhood decided to have a "Fall Potluck," I quickly volunteered to bring a dessert.  I knew immediately what I wanted to contribute -- Bread Pudding!  Why?  Because I absolutely love Bread Pudding, plain and simple.  I've had this recipe for a very long time, but have no idea where I got it -- I've been making this recipe since long before I started blogging and thought it was time to share.

It's kind of fun to pretend I'm the Pioneer Woman and do a "step-by-step" picture tutorial.  Notice I said "pretend," because I am definitely not Ree, but here's by version.

I really do like to collect all my ingredients & pre-measure all or most of the ingredients.  The cupboard just above my baking station has spices, all kinds of baking goods & cork on the doors so I can pin my recipe right there.  I forgot to take a pic of that, but I simply open both doors to that cupboard and all things are right at my fingertips.

I cubed the bread earlier this morning so it would have a chance to dry out just a bit.

You don't want to boil the milk, just warm it.

You'll need a large bowl for mixing the reserved milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla & salt.  

Then stir in the warmed milk & butter, stirring until butter melts. 

Stir in bread cubes.

Make sure all the cubes get coated and then let them soak and absorb the milk mixture.

Stir in the raisins, cinnamon, and pecans (if desired).

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Pour bread mixture into a greased pan.

Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a knife, inserted near center, comes out clean.

While the pudding is baking, you can whip up the Praline sauce.  Oops, I forgot to get the butter & vanilla in the photo, but I didn't forget to put them in the saucepan....lol!

Bring the water to a boil, stir in the brown sugar to dissolve, then add the corn syrup.  Return to boil for about 15-20 seconds.  

Remove from heat and add the remaining ingredients.  Stir until well blended.

Ordinarily, I would put the sauce into a small pitcher; but I'll be transporting this dessert, so I poured it into a jar.

It's almost done!

Just enough time to get everything cleaned up!

All done and looking delicious!

I'll just cover with the aluminum foil, and it will be all ready to transport to the potluck.  I will be taking some Cool Whip, but whipped cream or ice cream would be great, too!

Here's the complete recipe.  Hope you enjoy!  Sure hope the ladies at the potluck enjoy it!

Cajun Bread Pudding

4 3/4 c. milk, divided

4 eggs

2/3 c. sugar

1/4 t. salt

1 t. vanilla

1/3 c. butter, softened

11 c. cubed French bread (1” cubes)

1/2 t. cinnamon

2/3 c. raisins

2/3 c. coarsely chopped pecans, optional

Praline Sauce:

1/4 c. water

1/3 c. packed brown sugar

1/3 c. corn syrup

1/2 c. coarsely chopped pecans

1/2 t. vanilla

2 T. butter

Dash salt

Heat 4 c. of milk until warm; set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining milk, eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla.  Gradually add warmed milk, stirring constantly.  Stir in butter.  Add bread cubes; soak 10 minutes.  Add cinnamon, raisins and/or pecans if desired.  Pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan.  Bake at 400 degrees for 45-60 minutes or until knife inserted in center, comes out clean.

Meanwhile, for sauce, bring water to a boil in saucepan.  Add sugar & stir to dissolve.  Add corn syrup. Bring to boil; cook 15-20 seconds.  Remove from heat & add remaining ingredients.  Cut pudding into squares and serve with sauce.  Could also top with whipped cream, cool whip or ice cream.

*Update:  The ladies loved it, and it was a good thing I had taken some copies of the recipe with me!

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