Title: Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding – A Soul-Warming Southern Delight

• 6 cups of stale French bread (or any bread you have on hand, but French bread is traditional)
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of melted butter
• 1/2 cup of raisins (optional, but traditional)
• 1/4 cup of bourbon or dark rum (optional but adds great depth)

For the Sauce (optional but recommended):

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Preparation: