Spiced Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Do not preheat oven; grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, combine the sugar, raisins, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom.
3. 3
   Add the bread pieces and toss well to combine; set aside.
4. 4
   In another bowl, whisk together the milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla to blend.
5. 5
   Pour the liquid over the bread mixture and stir until the bread pieces have absorbed the liquid.
6. 6
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. 7
   Place on a rack in the center of a cold oven and set the oven to 350.
8. 8
   Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until golden brown.
9. 9
   Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.
10. 10
    Serve warm drizzled with either the strawberry sauce or hard sauce.
11. 11
    Strawberry sauce-in a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, Grand Marnier, and sugar.
12. 12
    Cover and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
13. 13
    In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water; stir to blend.
14. 14
    Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the strawberry mixture.
15. 15
    Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and cool slightly; serve warm.
16. 16
    Hard sauce-in the bowl of an electric mixer set on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar until light.
17. 17
    Add the rum or brandy, vanilla, and nutmeg; beat for 5 minutes; serve at room temperature.