Bread Pudding: Only in the Absence of Pies

Torta-Bread Pudding

Costco sells Torta bread which is so good for making sandwiches.  The only problem with this soft yummy bread is its short shelf-life.  During the holidays, we had a lot of left-overs from entertaining and I was determined not to allow them to get sucked into garbology.  This recipe -modified from an old recipe- is ideal for any of the sweeter breads such as torta or Hawaiian bread.  This bread pudding is custardy inside and crispy on top! 


Ingredients

• 7 pieces  day-old torta bread
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup craisins
• 7 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Tear bread into small pieces into an 8 x 11inch baking pan. Drizzle melted butter or margarine over bread. Sprinkle with craisins.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Pour over bread, and lightly push down with a fork until bread is covered and soaking up the egg mixture.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly tapped.               
5. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.  Enjoy!