Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Rum Raisin Sauce

2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3 cinnamon sticks, crushed

One 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, coarsely chopped

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

6 whole cloves

1 loaf of brioche (3/4 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

1/2 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Caramel Rum Raisin Sauce (see recipe), for serving

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and cream. Add the cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla bean and cloves and cook over moderate heat until just steaming; do not let the milk boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover and let stand until the milk is fragrant, about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. On a rimmed baking sheet, toast the cubed brioche in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until dry and golden. Spread the brioche cubes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.

Rewarm the spiced milk over moderate heat until steaming, then strain it into a heatproof medium bowl.

Meanwhile, in another medium bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolks, pumpkin puree and salt and whisk until blended and smooth. Whisk in 1/2 cup of the sugar. Gradually whisk 1 cup of the hot milk into the pumpkin mixture, then whisk the mixture back into the remaining milk.

Pour the pumpkin custard evenly over the brioche and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand until the brioche has absorbed the custard, about 30 minutes. Discard the plastic wrap.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle over the bread pudding. Set the baking dish in a large roasting pan and add enough hot water to the pan to reach halfway up the side of the baking dish.

TO SERVE: Bake the bread pudding, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, or until puffed and set. Let cool slightly, spoon into bowls and serve warm, with the Caramel Rum Raisin Sauce (see recipe) drizzled on top.

MAKE AHEAD: The baked pudding can be refrigerated overnight. Cover with foil and rewarm in a 325 degrees F oven for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Caramel Rum Raisin Sauce

This recipe makes more than you’ll need, but the sauce is great to have on hand for turning ice cream and pear or apple pies into spectacular desserts.

1/4 cup dark rum

1 cup raisins

3 cups sugar

1/2 cup water

1 cup heavy cream

In a small saucepan, warm the rum with the raisins. Remove from the heat and let soak for 20 minutes.

In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook over moderate heat until a deep amber caramel forms. Remove from the heat. Slowly and carefully add a little of the heavy cream to stop the cooking. Add the remaining heavy cream and stir in the raisins and rum. Serve warm.

MAKE AHEAD: The sauce can be refrigerated for 1 week. Reheat gently, stirring occasionally, before serving.

Serves 10

Source: Food & Wine