Simple Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Begin toasting the bread to desired shade, my preference is about 21/2 minutes in the toaster or in the oven at 350° for about 7 minutes. Your method of toasting will determine your prep time.
2. 2
   While the bread is toasting, mix the eggs well in a bowl (make clean-up easier by using an oven-safe dish). Add in the milk and vanilla.
3. 3
   Add sugar gradually and mix well to avoid the egg clumping up.
4. 4
   Break up the bread slices into smaller pieces and combine the bread and the sauce in an oven-safe dish. Add in raisins/chocolate chips/pecans and stir.
5. 5
   **OPTIONAL** Let the pudding stand for 35 minutes or more to allow the sauce to soak into the bread and for the flavor from the add-ins to permeate the mixture.
6. 6
   Top the bread pudding with slices of butter. If your pudding is deeper than it is wide, use thicker slices of butter. Spread the slices out evenly over the surface of the pudding.
7. 7
   Bake in the oven at 375° for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and fluffy. The pudding should move with the consistency of Jell-O.
8. 8
   Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it stand until the top deflates.