Classic Bread and Butter Pudding

Ingredients

• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
• Milk (2 cups)
• Eggs (4 large)
• Raisins (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened)
• White bread (8 slices, preferably a day or two old)
• Optional: Heavy cream or custard (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread, then cut them into triangles.
3. In a greased baking dish, arrange half of the bread triangles in a single layer, buttered-side up. Sprinkle half of the raisins evenly over the bread.
4. Layer the remaining bread triangles on top, followed by the rest of the raisins.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and grated nutmeg until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread and raisins, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
6. Allow the pudding to sit for 15 minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set and slightly puffed.
8. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with heavy cream or a scoop of custard.