Delicious Desserts: Bread Pudding

My son's Cub Scout troop had their Pinewood Derby tonight at our church, which hosted a hot dog supper for the scouts and everyone who participated.  The sides & desserts were potluck.  I made my first ever Bread Pudding, which I almost didn't make because I first thought  that it would be too complicated.  Lo and behold, I received compliment after compliment.  One gentleman said it was the best Bread Pudding he'd had since his mom made it...70 years ago!  Without a doubt, the nicest & bestest compliment I could have received for a first time Bread Pudding maker. :D

BTW, our son had a blast racing his car.  He didn't win but had fun hanging with his Cub Scout buds.  On the other hand, his sister made a pinewood derby car and raced in the family derby, winning 3rd place!  We are thrilled with the job both of our kiddos did.

Onto the recipe!

Bread Pudding

Ingredients:
1 loaf bread, sliced & torn into chunks
2 tsp cinnamon
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp butter or margarine
3 cups skim milk
4 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins, if you prefer)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 tsp imitation vanilla
1 tsp imitation rum extract

Directions:
Arrange torn chunks of bread in bottom of a 13x9" baking dish.  Microwave 3 Tbsp butter or margarine in a small bowl for about 10-15 seconds; mix in 3 Tbsp cinnamon and 3 Tbsp sugar then brush on top of bread.  In a medium bowl, mix together milk, 4 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar and dried cranberries.  Pour over bread and let sit one hour.  Heat oven to 350 F.  Set baking dish into a large baking sheet.  Add enough water to baking sheet to fill it about halfway (this prevents the bread pudding from scorching).  Bake 1 hour until set and slightly browned.  Meanwhile, melt 1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick) in a medium bowl in microwave for about 30 seconds.  Stir in sugar.  Microwave an additional 15 seconds.  Stir, then slowly add 1 beaten egg, stirring constantly while adding egg.  Stir in vanilla and rum extract.  Poke holes in bread pudding with a knife, poking all the way to bottom of pan.  Pour rum sauce over bread pudding.  Serve & enjoy!!