Caramel Bread Pudding

Mom got this recipe from one of her colleagues and its been one of our favorite treats ever since. 

Ingredients:

8 slices of white bread

1 1/2cups milk

2/3cup + 2tbs sugar

1tsp vanilla essence

nuts or raisins(optional)

6"cake tin or any other similar dish

Method:

Tear the bread into small pieces. Pour the milk over it and let it soak for a while.

Mash the bread with the back of a spoon. The mixture need not be smooth, however there should not be any pieces left. Take care to mash the crusts really well.

Mix in the sugar and essence and keep aside.

For the caramel, heat the sugar with about 2tsp water on high heat. Do not stir, but swirl the pan frequently. When the sugar has melted and turns a dark golden brown, pour it into the dish. Working quickly, tilt the dish to coat the base completely and a little of the sides as well.

Keep aside for a few minutes to set.

Mix in the nuts or raisins, if using, into the bread mixture and pour the mixture on top of the caramel. Cover the top of the dish with aluminium foil and make small vents on the surface for the steam to escape.

Steam for 15-20 mins. Remove and when cool enough keep the dish in the refrigerator to set for a couple of hours.

Invert onto a dish and cut into pieces.

and to "Cooking for Kids-Milk and Milk Products" event hosted by Sharmi.