Bread pudding is a delicious staple in the South.  It is perfect to serve with coffee to your friends.  Whether it is served after a meal or just for a special occasion, this recipe for Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce is sure to please.  In a hurry?  Try this Very Easy Banana Pudding.

BREAD PUDDING WITH LEMON SAUCE

2 cups dry bread cubes

4 cups milk, scalded

1 tbsp butter

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup sugar

4 slightly beaten eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Soak bread in milk for 5 minutes.  Add the butter, salt, and sugar.  Pour the bread mixture slowly over the beaten eggs.  Add the vanilla and mix well.  Pour into a greased baking dish.  Bake in a pan of hot water in a 350 degree oven until pudding is firm; about 50 minutes.  Serve while warm with the following lemon sauce.

Lemon Sauce

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbsp cornstarch

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 cup boiling water

2 tbsp butter

1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

In a 1-quart saucepan, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and nutmeg.  Gradually add in the water and cook over low heat until thick and clear.  Add the butter and lemon juice; blend thoroughly.  Pour over the warm bread pudding.

VERY EASY BANANA PUDDING

3 cups cold milk

2 pkgs (4 serving size each) banana flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix

Approximately 30 vanilla wafers

3 medium bananas, sliced

1 8-oz carton frozen whipped topping, thawed

Pour milk into a large mixing bowl.  Add the pudding mix to milk and beat unsing a wire whisk for 2 minutes or until thoroughly well blended.  Let stand about 5 minutes.  Arrange half of the vanilla wafers in the bottom and up the sides of a serving bowl.  Add layers of banana slices and pudding, ending with pudding.  Spread the whipped topping over the top layer of pudding.  Refrigerate until serving time.

Note: To keep bananas from discoloring, dip in lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering with the pudding.

Enjoy!