Golden Bread Pudding

Ingredients
4 beaten eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
4 cups dry French bread cubes*
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup toasted walnuts*
1 recipe Caramel Sauce or Bourbon Sauce (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl beat together eggs, milk, half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla, lemon peel and cardamom. In an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish toss together bread cubes, walnuts and dried fruit; pour egg mixture evenly over bread mixture. Press lightly with back of large spoon to moisten all bread.

Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool slightly. If desired, serve warm with Caramel Sauce or Bourbon Sauce. Makes 8 servings

*To dry bread, start with fresh bread cubes; place in a large shallow baking pan and bake in a 350°F oven about 10 minutes, stirring twice. Walnuts may be toasted at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes.