BREAD PUDDING WITH ORANGE CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• To make the pudding;.
• Heat the milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Let cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight to steep.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F Put the bread cubes in a large bowl.
• Reheat the milk mixture and remove the cinnamon stick. In a large bowl, lightly whisk together the yolks and eggs.
• Pour the milk mixture into the eggs and mix thoroughly.
• Pour this mixture over the bread and allow to soak for a few minutes.
• Butter the insides of eight 5-ounce ramekins. Divide the mixture among the ramekins and place them in a roasting pan or on a large, deep sheet pan.
• Pour about 1 inch of water into the pan to create a water bath.
• Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 1/4 hours.
• To make the sauce:
• Bring orange juice to a simmer over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan, then reduce to 1/4 cup, about 10 minutes.
• Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl, add cream, and set aside.
• In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and continue to cook, stirring frequently until sugar is lightly caramelized, about 3 minutes.
• Add the orange juice mixture, stirring constantly.
• Simmer for 5 minutes and strain through a fine sieve.
• Serve the pudding warm, either turned out onto individual plates or left inside the ramekins.
• Top with the sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar.