What is it like?  

- Rich

- Boozy

- Melt-in-your-mouth 

Recipe

This recipe is one of my favorites and I always eat it as a dessert. However, if you use a different sauce, such as maple syrup, it can make a great breakfast. 

6-8 slices gluten free bread (filled until just a little liquid is in between after 20 min soak)*
1 cup soy milk
1/2 cup coconut sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp sunflower oil or butter
2 tbsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup raisins (optional) 
1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted 

Cognac Caramel Sauce
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup nondairy milk
2 tbsp oil or butter
1/8 tsp salt
1 tbsp, plus 1 tsp cognac (Henessy brand works well) 

*I usually buy Trader Joe's gluten free cinnamon raisin bread and then skip the raisins and cinnamon in the recipe. 

Directions: 

1. Slice bread into one-inch cubes and place into an 8x8 baking dish or cake pan.

2. In the blender, blend together the milk, sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Pour over the bread along with the toasted pecans and raisins. Make sure some of the raisins and pecans are submerged so they don’t burn or dry out. Some of the bread should be sticking above the liquid (this is the part that will get nice and crispy in the oven).

3. While the bread rests for about 20 minutes, preheat oven to 350°F.

4. Bake just until bread bounces back, about 20 minutes.

5. To make the cognac sauce, combine all of the ingredients for the sauce (except the cognac) in a small sauce pan and place over medium heat until it simmers. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before adding the cognac. Plate the bread pudding, then pour sauce over it and serve! This sauce is also excellent over pancakes, apples, or ice cream.