1-2cupsugar(depends on the sweetness of the additional ingredients)
3eggs plus one white(save the yolk for the sauce)
2tablespoonsreal vanilla extract
3-4cupsextra ingredients(see Note)
1teaspooncinnamon
½teaspoonnutmeg
SAUCE
½cupbutter
1 ½cuppowdered sugar
1egg yolk(saved from the pudding)
½cupbrandy(other liqueur or fruit juice)
Instructions
Preheat over to 350℉.
Method 1 (more pudding like): Combine bread and milk. Let stand until bread is soft. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly..
Method 2 (more cake like): Combine milk, sugar, egg and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients and stir lightly until just combined. Let rest a few minutes until bread absorbs the liquid.
Pour into buttered baking dish, either 9 x 9 or 9 x 13 inches, depending upon the amount of mixture. Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour, until top is golden brown and knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Serve warm. The sauce below is optional.
Cream butter and sugar over medium heat until all butter is absorbed. Remove from heat and blend in egg yolk. Pour in liquid gradually, stirring constantly. Sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve warm over pudding.
Notes
Along with the bread you will want to add 3-4 cups of any combination of items such as:
raisins or other dried fruit
fresh fruit such as berries or chopped apples
shredded coconut,
chopped nuts,
chocolate chips or chocolate candy bars chopped into small pieces.
Use less sugar when adding sweeter ingredients, such as candy.