Ingredients

• 2-1/4  cups milk
• 4  beaten eggs
• 1/2  cup granulated sugar
• 1  tablespoon vanilla
• 1  teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
• 1/2  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4  cups dry French, Italian, or sourdough bread cubes*
• 1  cup coarsely chopped peanut brittle
• 1/3  cup margarine or butter
• 1/3  cup packed brown sugar
• 2  medium bananas, sliced
• 1/8  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1  tablespoon rum or orange juice
• 1  tablespoon banana liqueur, creme de cacao, or orange juice
•   Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl beat together milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, orange peel, and cinnamon. Place bread cubes in an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread cubes. Sprinkle with chopped peanut brittle.

2. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly. Serve warm with Bananas Foster Sauce and vanilla ice cream, if desired. Makes 8 servings with 3 tablespoons sauce.

Bananas Foster Sauce: In a large skillet melt margarine or butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until melted. Add bananas. Cook and gently stir over medium heat about 1 minute or until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon, rum or orange juice, and banana liqueur, creme de cacao, or orange juice. Serve immediately with bread pudding. Makes 1-1/2 cups sauce.

*To dry bread cubes: Place bread cubes in a large pan and bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until dry but not brown, stirring twice.