The Holiday Season has arrived! During this time most of us will be entertaining and sharing meals with family and friends.  There is nothing better than finishing off a Holiday feast with a delicious dessert.  I would like to share one of my favorite dessert recipes with you that will add a tremendous finishing touch to any meal.  If you are looking to stray from the traditional apple or pumpkin pie……try this!

D.J’s Holiday Bread Pudding

(Serves Approx. 12)

Take 12-14 Dinner Rolls or the equivalent measurement of any type of bread and cut into ½” slices.  Place in bowl uncovered and let dry out overnight.

**Hint:  this is a good time to get rid of stale bread!

Filling:

1 cup Raisins

1 cup Brown Sugar

1 cup Granulated Sugar

1 cup Chopped Pecans

1 cup Shredded Coconut

4 Eggs

¼ lb. Melted Butter

2 Tsp Real Vanilla Extract

2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

***Place all above ingredients in large bowl and stir together using wooden spoon.

      Reserve and begin making custard recipe below

Custard:

1 quart Heavy Cream

2 cups Powdered Sugar

1 Tsp Real Vanilla Extract

1.5oz Brandy (you can substitute any flavored liquor)

3ea Egg Yolks

¼ lb. Butter

***In sauce pan melt butter, add sugar while stirring.  Over low heat add cream, vanilla, and brandy.  As mixture begins to get warm, whip up egg yolks in separate bowl then add to mixture, while continuing to stir.  Custard will thicken slowly.  Cook for about five minutes then remove from heat and reserve.

Method:

In 4” tall baking pan (9” x 12”), place a single layer of sliced bread, making sure to cover the entire bottom of pan.  Now take filling and spoon an even layer over bread then ladle custard evenly over layer of filling, saturating the bread.  Repeat this layering process two more times.  Cover pan with foil and bake in 375 degree oven for approx. 50-55 minutes, removing foil for the last 10 minutes for browning.  Let stand for 25 minutes before cutting.  When serving, it is nice to place bread pudding in pool of custard if there is any left or you can simply top with whipped cream or a fresh fruit puree.  Happy Holidays….Enjoy!