Mmm! Bread Pudding!

Here's another easy one that is sure to "wow" your guests! I used most of Paula Deans recipe and added a few things of my own.

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar

5 large beaten eggs

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups cubed French bread (if it is is too soft brown it in the oven)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 sticks butter

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (optional, i dont use it- the sugar is sweet enough)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.

Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Cube the bread and spread evenly around the pan. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, butter, and pecans if you choose.

Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Dollop brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.

For the sauce:

Mix together the granulated sugar, milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Pour over bread pudding.

Serve warm.