Bread Pudding New Orleans Style

Spread the butter over a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Arrange the slices in the pan. Tightly spaced in rows (almost upright). Tuck the raisin in between the slices. In a large bowl whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Whisk in the milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and let stand for 45-60 minutes, pressing the bread down every so often to wet the top of the slices. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake the pudding until the top is puffed and lightly browned, about 1 hour. Cover with Bourbon Sauce (recipe follows). Let cool on a rack for 45 minutes. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftover pudding in the refrigerator. Pudding can be reheated if desired. Yield: 12-15 servings BOURBON SAUCE 8 tablespoons butter (unsalted) 1 cup sugar 3 tablespoon bourbon (I use Makers Mark) 3 tablespoons water 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon salt In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the next 5 ingredients. Cook, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended. Remove from heat. Whisk the egg until light and frothy. Whisk the egg into the bourbon mixture. Whisk vigorously. Set the sauce over medium heat, stir gently bringing it to a simmer. Cool until thickened, about 1 minute.