PUMPKIN BREAD PUDDING WITH ORANGE GRAND MARNIER HARD SAUCE

Photo Credit: Flickr, Mcauliflower

BREAD PUDDING INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups half and half
¼ cup butter
⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on taste preference)
3 eggs
2 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups bread, torn into small pieces (french bread works best)
1 cup pumpkin pie filling
DIRECTIONS:
In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat half & half just until film forms over top. Combine butter and milk and pie filling, stirring until butter is melted. Cool to lukewarm.
Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole. Pour batter on top of bread.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.
ORANGE HARD SAUCE INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tablespoon Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in small bowl; mix with electric mixer until thoroughly combined and fluffy.
Enjoy!