CAPPUCCINO BREAD PUDDING

Steps:

• Make custard:.
• In a small saucepan combine espresso or coffee and 2.
• tablespoons sugar and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup.
• Cool syrup.
• In a large bowl whisk together whole eggs, egg yolks,.
• remaining 1/2 cup sugar, half-and-half and syrup.
• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Spread bread cubes in a 9-inch square baking dish and sprinkle.
• with almonds if using.
• Pour custard over bread, making sure allbread cubes are covered, and let stand 30 minutes.
• Put baking dish in a larger pan and add enough water to pan to.
• reach halfway up sides of dish.
• Bake bread pudding in middle of.
• oven 55 minutes, or until golden brown and center is set.
• Make caramel sauce:.
• In a small heavy saucepan combine sugar and water and bring to.
• a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
• Boil syrup, without stirring but swirling pan occasionally, until deep golden caramel.
• Remove pan from heat and add cream slowly (mixture will.
• bubble up).
• Cook sauce over low heat, stirring, until smooth and caramel is dissolved.
• Add butter and stir until melted.
• Serve bread pudding with warm caramel sauce and cinnamon whipped cream.
• Serves 6 to 8.