PAULA, Author at justabitedesserts.com

When life hands you stale bread, you make bread pudding. Dating back over a millennium, this humble dish has transformed from a frugal peasant meal to a decadent dessert savored by kings and commoners alike. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can craft a comforting, indulgent treat that will have your family begging for seconds. But the true magic happens when you drizzle on the silky vanilla sauce - an unexpected twist that'll leave you craving more.HistoryAlthough the origins of bread pudding can be traced back to the 11th century, its modern incarnation emerged in the 18th century.The culinary origins of this beloved dessert are rooted in frugality, as it was a creative way to repurpose stale bread.Over time, bread pudding gained cultural significance, becoming a comforting staple across various regions and socioeconomic classes.Its versatile nature allowed it to evolve, with the addition of rich vanilla sauce elevating the dish.Today, bread pudding remains a timeless classic, cherished for its ability to transform humble ingredients into a decadent and satisfying treat.RecipeBread pudding is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. It's a simple and cost-effective way to use up stale bread and transform it into a decadent dessert. The addition of a vanilla sauce takes this dish to the next level, providing a creamy and flavorful accompaniment.The key to a successful bread pudding is to use high-quality, day-old bread that has a sturdy texture. This will help the pudding maintain its shape and absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. The vanilla sauce, made with a few simple ingredients, complements the rich flavors of the bread pudding perfectly.Ingredients:8 cups cubed day-old bread4 eggs2 cups whole milk1 cup heavy cream3/4 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamonFor the Vanilla Sauce:1 cup heavy cream1/2 cup whole milk1/4 cup granulated sugar1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise or 2 teaspoons vanilla extractInstructions:Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.Add the cubed bread and gently toss to coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.For the vanilla sauce, combine the cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the mixture and add the pod.Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let the sauce steep for 15 minutes. Discard the vanilla bean pod (if used) and serve the warm sauce over the bread pudding.Nutritional GuideThis bread pudding recipe provides a hearty and comforting dessert, but it's important to take into account its nutritional profile.The caloric content is moderate, with a single serving containing around 300 calories. However, the ingredient benefits make this dessert a more wholesome choice.The egg yolks provide essential nutrients like vitamins A and D, while the bread offers complex carbohydrates and fiber.The vanilla sauce complements the pudding nicely, adding a touch of sweetness without notably increasing the calorie count.Final ThoughtThe satisfying culmination of this recipe lies in your ability to balance the rich texture of the bread pudding with the complementary sweetness of the vanilla sauce.As a beloved comfort food, this dessert embodies cherished traditions, beckoning you to indulge in its warmth and nostalgia.When prepared with care, the marriage of soft, custardy bread and the velvety vanilla sauce creates a harmonious finale that will delight your senses.Take pride in mastering this timeless recipe, for in doing so, you elevate the simple pleasures of home-cooked goodness.Let this bread pudding with vanilla sauce become a treasured part of your dessert repertoire, a comforting reminder of the joy found in the simple things.