Bread Pudding

This is really good if you have lots of day old bread!...but I make this only once in a while, since I don't eat sugar in a daily basis!...this is just to indulge yourself in your 'sometimes' breakfast....enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large beaten eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups cubed Italian bread, allow to stale overnight in a bowl (I use my grain bread)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup chopped pecans

For the sauce (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 egg beaten
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup brandy

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.

Mix together granulated sugar,eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and sit for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter, and pecans

Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.

For the sauce:
Mix together the granulated sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold. (recipe courtesy of Paula Deen)