A few weeks ago I prepared a cake that received RAVE COMMENTS. It was a combination carrot cake and Better Than Sex Cake. Very moist and decadent. If you want the recipe just ask.
Here is one of my favorites:
Croissant Bread Pudding
3 extra-large whole eggs
8 extra-large egg yolks
5 cups half-and-half
1½ cups sugar
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
6 croissants, preferably stale, sliced horizontally
1 cup raisins (or dried cranberries)
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Set the custard mixture aside. Slice the croissants in half horizontally. In a 10” x 15” x 2½” oval baking dish, distribute the bottoms of the sliced croissants, then add the raisins, then the tops of the croissants (brown side up), being sure the raisins are between the layers of croissants or they will burn while baking. Pour the custard over the croissants and allow to soak for 10 minutes, pressing down gently.
Place the pan in a larger one filled with 1” of hot water. Cover the larger pan with aluminum foil, tenting the foil so it doesn't touch the pudding. Cut a few holes in the foil to allow steam to escape. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 40 to 45 more minutes or until the pudding puffs up and the custard is set. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Crème Anglaise
¾ cups milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
4 egg yolks
½ cup sugar
½ tsp cornstarch (optional)
Rum, brandy or Grand Marnier (to taste)
In a 1½-quart heavy saucepan bring milk almost to a boil, remove from heat, add vanilla, cover allow to infuse. Beat egg yolks with sugar until thick and light. Whisk in half the hot milk and whisk mixture back into remaining milk. Heat gently over a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until custard thickens slightly; until a thermometer registers 180°F, about 2 minutes (do not let custard boil). If you draw a finger across the back of a wooden spoon it will leave a clear trail. DO NOT ALLOW TO BOIL OR OVERCOOK OR YOU WILL SCRAMBLE YOUR SAUCE. Remove from heat and strain into a bowl. Add liquor to taste (careful on amount).
Makes 1½ cups.