Bread pudding is made by soaking pieces of bread in a mixture of milk, sugar and eggs. It's a great dish to make with leftover, stale bread that's otherwise unusable. How to make bread pudding will show you how.

Bread pudding was invented by cooks who couldn't afford to waste stale bread by throwing it out. Instead, they would break a stale loaf up and mix it with other ingredients before baking it to get rid of the stale flavor. Eventually, bread pudding became a Christmas tradition for many families. It's delicious served hot or cold and is often offered with a sweet liqueur sauce.ReluctantGourmet.com: How to Make Delicious Bread Pudding

• Butter, softened
• 7 slices white bread with a firm crumb
• 4 cups milk
• 3 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Grease the bottom and sides of a medium casserole dish with the softened butter.
3. Cut the bread into cubes.
4. Toss together the bread cubes and raisins then put them in the casserole dish.
5. Whip together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla.
6. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes and raisins.
7. Bake the pudding for about 45 minutes or until set.

• Enjoy your warm bread pudding with a sweet sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a smile. Bread pudding is only one of many great Christmas desserts. Once you've got this recipe down, why not explore some others: Christmas bread, Christmas cookies, gingerbread men, Yule logs, and finally—don't forget the Eggnog!