I am soaking my raisins right now!

I save the heels from the bread and when I have enough to fill a giant bowl, I make bread pudding. It's one of my favorites.

I was lucky enough to have watched my Mom make it many times, and got her to write down the recipe when I was a kid. It's in her recipe box and every time I open it, the smells from my childhood and baking with my mother come rushing back out.

During these trying times, with the economy going down the tubes, this is an excellent way to stretch dollars, and still have good food!

5 slices of bread, toasted, buttered and cut in half
1/2 c. raisins soaked in water until they swell
Custard:
3c. milk, scalded
3 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/2 t. vanilla extract
Topping:
1/4 t. cinnamon
2 T. sugar

Place 1/2 of toast in bowl. Top with raisins. Add rest of toast.

Hand beat eggs, add slowly to scalded milk. Add sugar, salt and vanilla extract to mixture and beat well. Pour over toast and raisins and let stand for 10 minutes+/-
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until top is set. Top with cinnamon and sugar mixture and let stand until cool.

Enjoy!!