Step 1

For the bread pudding, cut or tear bread into pieces and place in a large bowl. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt brown sugar, milk, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, raisins, and 2 1/2 tablespoons rum. Stir constantly until sugar is dissolved. Pour over bread and allow to soak for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add 4 beaten eggs to the soaked bread mixture and stir gently. The bread should be completely saturated with the egg and milk mixture. Pour into a buttered 9-inch square baking dish and bake for 40-50 minutes until the top is browned and the middle is set. Do not overbake or the bread pudding will become dry.

Step 3

For the sauce, melt the heavy cream, white sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Do not boil or the mixture will start to crystallize. When sugar has dissolved, add 1 1/2 tablespoons rum. Pour the warm sauce over each slice of bread pudding before serving.