English Bread and Butter Pudding

English bread and butter pudding is made with layers of buttered bread, dried fruit, sugar and spice baked in an egg custard.

Recipe Ingredients:

Butter
8 slices (about 1-inch thick) day old home-style white bread
2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) sultanas (raisins)
Grated rind of one lemon
2 large eggs
Pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon
3 level tablespoons caster (granulated) sugar - divided use
1 pint (2 cups) vanilla-flavoured milk*

Cooking Directions:

1. Remove crusts and reserve for another use, if desired. Spread a thin layer of butter on the bread and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in lightly-buttered overproof dish, with alternate layers of sultanas mixed with the grated lemon rind.
2. Beat eggs lightly with 2 tablespoons of sugar, the nutmeg or cinnamon and the milk. Pour custard over bread cube mixture; sprinkle remaining sugar over the top.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly and enjoy! With this English-style dessert you do not need any other sauce.

Makes 4 servings.

*Or mix 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract with plain milk.