Egg Custard Sauce 

1 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 large egg yolks

1 and 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

1/4 cup sugar 

In a large saucepan heat the cream just until it starts to simmer. When you see a few bubbles at the edge of the liquid that is enough. While the cream is heating, whisk the eggs, vanilla, cornstarch and sugar together in a medium bowl. Slowly pour the warmed cream into the egg mixture very slowly while whisking. You have to whisk continually so that you will not get lumps. This is best done as a team with your favorite guy or loving daughter. Return the custard to the saucepan and heat gently while whisking until it thickens. Do not boil. Serve hot, poured over the bread pudding. You can make the custard ahead of time and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat very gently in the microwave.  

Irish Bread and Butter Pudding 

4 tablespoons butter, softened

10 slices of white bread

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 and 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 eggs

4 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

custard sauce or warm maple syrup for garnish 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut all the slices of bread in half diagonally and butter one side with softened butter. After buttering, cut each slice of bread in half again making triangles. Butter a baking dish and place the bread triangles into the baking dish overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with half the raisins, nutmeg and cinnamon. Repeat this process making a second layer. Set this aside. In a saucepan, mix the milk and cream just to heat, do not boil. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, half the sugar and the vanilla. While whisking slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture. Pour this custard over the layers of bread in the baking dish and gently press the bread down so that the custard is soaked into the bread. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top. Allow to sit for about thirty minutes before putting into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until risen and golden brown. Serve warm with warm custard sauce or for a more American flair, warm maple syrup.