Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Rum, brown sugar, and warming spices (don’t skip the black pepper!) combine in this aromatic dessert. Brioche is often used in bread pudding, but a sturdy loaf of white bread from the bakery is best here because it won’t break down as much. If you prefer to omit the alcohol, substitute 1/4 cup maple syrup for 1 cup of rum in Step 2. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Follow recipe as directed.
How to Make It
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Whisk together half-and-half, milk, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, pepper, 2 teaspoons of the vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl. Add bread and raisins; stir to combine. Let stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Bake until golden and set, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Step 2
Meanwhile, combine rum, brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cream and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla. Drizzle 1/2 cup sauce over bread pudding. Serve with remaining sauce.
