30 August 2016
 Categories: , Blog

Sometimes it's hard to guess how much bread you'll need for a busy weekend or a holiday week. When you over-order and have extra loaves sitting in the storage room, don't let that bread go to waste. Even if it's stale, you can use it to bake up some delicious bread pudding, which you can add to the menu as a special. Bread pudding is a warming, comforting dessert that your customers are sure to enjoy. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Pudding

This is a traditional-style bread pudding that will remind you of the country. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Ingredients (makes about 12 servings):

• 1 large loaf of white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (stale bread is even better)
• 1/2 stick butter, melted
• 1 cup raisins
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. Whisk until uniform, and set aside.

Arrange the bread cubes in a large baking dish, such as a 9 x 13-inch pan. Drizzle the bread with the butter, and sprinkle the raisins over the top. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, making sure that each bread cube gets completely soaked. Let the dish sit for 20 minutes so that the bread can fully absorb the eggs.

Bake the dish in a 350 degree F oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cut into 12 portions, and serve while warm.

Individual Chocolate Bread Puddings

Chocolate lovers will feel indulged when they dig into this gooey treat. This is a good recipe to make if you have a long dinner service, since the individual desserts can be reheated to order.

Ingredients (makes 12 servings):

• 1 large loaf of white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (stale bread is even better)
• 8 eggs
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 stick of butter, melted
• Chocolate syrup or hot fudge

Divide the bread cubes between 12 medium ramekins. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips into each dish as well, and then drizzle the bread with the melted butter.

In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, and cocoa. Whisk until smooth, and then divide between the 12 ramekins. Let the dishes rest for 20 minutes, and then bake them in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes.

Serve the bread puddings while warm or reheat them in the oven for 5 minutes if they cool off before you get the chance to serve them. After turning the bread pudding out onto a plate, drizzle it with chocolate syrup or hot fudge before serving.