BREAD PUDDING WITH WHISKEY SAUCE

2 eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons vanilla (Mexican, if available)
21/2 cups milk
2 cups sugar
2 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Beat the eggs, and add the butter, vanilla and milk. Gradually add the sugar and mix thoroughly until sugar is dissolved.

Place bread cubes in the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish. Pour liquid over bread, making sure all the pieces are fully saturated. Sprinkle pecans over bread and push them down into the bread.

Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 50-60 minutes.

WHISKEY SAUCE:
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1/2 cup cream
1/4 cup Jack Daniels

Combine the ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir constantly over low heat until mixture reaches a low, rolling boil. Pour a small amount over the individual servings of bread pudding.

Serves 8-10
Source: Texas Cowboy Cooking by Tom Perini
Source: Reagan Walker, Cox News Service; June 14, 2000