Mardi Gras Mouthfuls

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Surprise your family with this creole treat.  This bread pudding is easy to make and very delicious.  Be sure to make enough - your children will want seconds. If you prefer, top it off with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.  Ummmmm good!

Creole Bread Pudding

Ingredients

1 large loaf white bread
6 eggs
4 cups milk
1/2 tsp. nutmeg for batter
1/2 tsp. nutmeg for topping
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 cups sugar, or to taste
1 16-oz. can peaches, drained
2 cups raisins
4 tbsp. butter

Directions

Cut the bread into cubes and place in a large rectangular baking pan. Set aside.

Whip the eggs and milk together. Add the nutmeg, vanilla extract and sugar to the egg mixture and set aside.

Dice the peaches and use a spoon to place them, along with the raisins, between the bread cubes, being careful to push them down deep.

Pour the egg mixture over the casserole of bread, raisins and peaches. The pan will be very full, but the pudding cooks down. Place butter pats on top and sprinkle with the rest of the nutmeg.

Bake at 375 degrees until brown, between 40 and 60 minutes. Serve warm. If you like, you can top it off with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Makes 12 servings.