Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 slices of bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  
• 1 cup hot water
  
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
  
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  
• 2 cups warm milk
  
• 1/2 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
  

INGREDIENTS FOR THE VANILLA SAUCE:

• 2 Tablespoons sugar
  
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  
• 3 Tablespoons butter
  
• 3/4 cup milk
  
• 1/4 cup light corn starch
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

TO PREPARE:

Place the bread in a greased 2-quart baking dish.  Mix the hot water and brown sugar in a bowl.  Pour over the bread. Combine the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a bowl and mix well.  Pour over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.  Drizzle with Vanilla Sauce.

NOTE: You may serve this bread pudding warm or cold.

TO PREPARE THE VANILLA SAUCE:

Mix the sugar and corn starch together.  Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.  Stir in the sugar mixture.  Add the milk and corn syrup and stir to mix well.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Boil for 1 minute.  Remove from the heat.  Stir in the vanilla.  Serve warm.

YIELDS:  1-1/4 cups