Bread Pudding With Rum

Directions

1. 1
   Cube bread and place, crust side down, into a casserole dish.
2. 2
   Scald 1 1/2 cups milk and pour over bread.
3. 3
   Let sit 15 mins (or up to 25 if bread is really crusty/hard).
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
5. 5
   Whisk eggs with spices and salt.
6. 6
   Add sugar and whisk until dissolved.
7. 7
   Add remaining ingredients.
8. 8
   Scald remaining 1 1/2 cups milk.
9. 9
   Add milk to egg mixture in 1/2 cup increments and whisk thoroughly after each addition.
10. 10
    Pour mixture over bread.
11. 11
    Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until top browns and a fork inserted near the center comes out clean.
12. 12
    Meanwhile, mix together rum and brown sugar.
13. 13
    Add just enough water to obtain a molasses-like consistency.
14. 14
    About 7 minutes before the end of baking, spoon topping mixture on.
15. 15
    Serve warm.
16. 16
    Reheats well.