King Cake Bread Pudding

Mardi Gras is celebrated all over Louisiana, including at Houmas House, the Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road. Come for a tour of the mansion and gardens, and stay for brunch, lunch or dinner. Until then, enjoy this festive, sweet treat fit for a sugar baron!

Bread Pudding Ingredients:

• 1 (1-pound) brioche loaf, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Bread Pudding Directions:

1. Divide bread between 12 (4-ounce) ramekins.
2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, cream, milk, sugar, amaretto, and vanilla. Whisk until blended.
3. Spoon egg mixture equally over bread, and let stand 30 minutes, occasionally pressing bread into milk mixture.
4. Prepare bread pudding up to 2 hours ahead, if desired, then cover, and refrigerate.
5. Preheat oven to 350°.
6. Place ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet, and cook until custard is set in center, 18 to 22 minutes.
7. Cool slightly, then top with Almond Glaze and Mardi Gras Sugars.

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Almond Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon almond extract

Almond Glaze Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, add sugar, milk, and extract; whisk until combined.
2. To thicken, add additional confectioners’ sugar; whisk to combine.

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Mardi Gras Sugars Ingredients:

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• Yellow food coloring
• Green food coloring
• Purple food coloring

Mardi Gras Sugars Directions:

1. Place 1 cup of sugar into 3 quart-size resealable plastic bags.
2. Add 5 drops yellow food coloring into one; seal and shake to combine.
3. Add 5 drops green food coloring into the second; seal and shake to combine.
4. Add 5 drops purple food coloring into remaining bag; seal and shake to combine.

Photo Courtesy of Houmas House