• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds loaf of sweet bread , dried and cubed (any bread can be substituted)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter , melted
• 4 eggs , beaten
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 pound butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs (beaten in a small bowl with whiskey)
• 1/4 cup Crown Royal or   your favorite whiskey  

Add bread cubes to the pan in a bread machine. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients and mix to make a batter. Pour over the top of bread and stir lightly.

Allow the bread to soak for 15 minutes. Select the "Homemade Menu." Press the cycle key that turns OFF all cycles (pre-heat, knead, and rise cycles). Select the "Bake" cycle and press "Start." Baking time is 1 hour 10 minutes. Cool bread pudding before removing from pan. While the bread is cooling prepare the Royal Sauce.

Melt butter over low heat. Add sugar and stir well. Remove from heat, let cool slightly. Gradually add egg mixture to pan whisking quickly. Put the sauce back on the stove over low heat and whisk constantly until the sauce has thickened slightly. Do not overcook or the sauce will curdle. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve over bread pudding.

Bread pudding can also be served with whipped cream or ice cream.

www.zojirushi.com