ROSE MARY'S BREAD PUDDING

Steps:

• 1. Add raisins to small bowl and pour pour rum,bourbon or grand Marnier, over raisins. Cover with paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Remove, from microwave and allow to steep while covered till raisins are plump, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• 2. PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES F.Lightly grease the cast iron skillet, or 9X13X2 inch casserole dish,or use cooking spray, and set aside till needed.
• 3. Combine the bread cubes with the mini chocolate chips,add the steeped raisins along with what ever liquid remains, chopped or grated apples & set aside.
• 4. In a large bowl beat eggs with whisk, stir in whole milk, heavy whipping cream, butter,brown sugar, salt & spices. Mix well. Pour over bread cubes mixture. Stir to mix well. Allow to set for at least 30 minutes until most of liquid has been absorbed. Pour into prepared skillet or dish. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes to an hour, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve with butter Sauce if desired, or drizzle with caramel syrup.
• 5. BUTTER SAUCE: To make the butter sauce, cream together butter and sugar. Add egg yolk, and evaporated milk. Cook in a double boiler. Mix cornstarch with 1 cup milk, mix well, and pour into cooked mixture. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat, and add 2 teaspoons of butter extract or vanilla, then serve over bread pudding. Top with whipped cream if desired and garnish with a cherry half.
• 6. I gave you my original recipe, but this time I used stale hot dog and hamburger buns with whole wheat rolls. I always learned to be creative and recreate when it came to food, because we could not afford to throw any away, with 13 people in our family.