Cherry Almond Bread Pudding With Whiskey Sauce

This got raves when I served it! "You could SELL this," remarked one friend.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12

Ingredients

• 1  loaf  deli  white bread, unsliced
• 2  cups  whole milk
• 3⁄4 cup light brown sugar
• 4  eggs
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  freshly ground nutmeg
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6  tablespoons butter, melted
• 1  cup dried cherries
• 3⁄4 cup  sliced almonds
• 1  tablespoon white sugar

Directions

1. Beat eggs with milk, sugar, and all seasonings.
2. Pour mixture over bread cubes; stir.
3. Soften dried cherries in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain well and add to bread mixture. Toss well, and let "sit" for a few minutes; overnight is even better.
4. Pour into well-buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole baking dish.
5. Toss sliced almonds with a bit of melted butter and the sugar, and sprinkle over pudding.
6. Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes, or until nice and puffy.
7. Make whiskey sauce (many good recipes available here!) and spoon over the warm pudding!