Bread Pudding With Praline Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (1 pound) loaf soft French bread, torn into small pieces
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups white sugar
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup raisins, or more to taste (optional)
• 1/2 pound unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans