- 4 3/4 cups milk, divided
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 11 cups cubed French bread (1 inch cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup raisins
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- PRALINE SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Dash salt
- In a saucepan, heat 4 cups 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, and raisins and/or pecans if desired. Pour into a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for 45-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Meanwhile, for sauce, bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Add corn syrup. Bring to boil; cook 15-20 seconds. Remove from the heat; add remaining ingredients. Cut pudding into squares and serve with sauce.