IRISH BREAD PUDDING WITH CARAMEL-WHISKEY SAUCE 1/4 cup light butter, melted 1 (10-ounce) French bread baguette, cut into 1-inch-thick slices 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup Irish whiskey 1 3/4 cups 1% low-fat milk 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated fat-free milk 2 large eggs, lightly beaten Cooking spray 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Caramel-Whiskey Sauce (recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Brush melted butter on one side of French bread slices; place bread, buttered sides up, on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes; set aside.

While bread is toasting, combine raisins and whiskey in a small bowl; cover and let stand 10 minutes or until soft (do not drain).

Combine 1% milk and next 4 ingredients (1% milk through eggs) in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add bread cubes and raisin mixture, pressing gently to moisten; let stand for 15 minutes. Spoon bread mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over pudding. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until the pudding is set. Serve warm with the Caramel-Whiskey Sauce.12 servings.

NOTE: Substitute 1/4 cup apple juice for the Irish whiskey, if desired.

CARAMEL-WHISKEY SAUCE

1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup light butter
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup Irish whiskey
1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk

Combine the sugar and water in a small, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional 15 minutes or until golden (do not stir). Remove from heat. Carefully add butter and cream cheese, stirring constantly with a whisk (the mixture will be hot and bubble vigorously). Cool slightly, and stir in the whiskey and milk.Makes 1 1/2 cups.

NOTE: You can substitute 1 tablespoon imitation rum extract and 3 tablespoons water for the Irish whiskey, if desired.

1 Serving - 1 [3-inch] square and 2 tablespoons sauce (Totals include Caramel-Whiskey Sauce): Calories: 360 (Cal. from fat: 18%), Fat: 7.3g (Saturated: 3.2g), Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 275mg, Carbohydrate: 65.9g, Protein: 7.3g.

[Cooking Light, March 2001]