The real place to go to see just how good bread pudding really can be
, is the French Quarter of New Orleans. You see, they have been making bread pudding down there for literally hundred of years, so they have had plenty of time to perfect their recipes and their presentations. Down there in the French Quarter bread pudding is never simply scoop out and served plain in a bowl.
Rather, it's always served with some type of sauce over it. Also in most cases French Quarter bread pudding will also come with come with some type of browned sugar crisps stuck in it. Now as far as what type of sauce you use to put over it, that's entirely up to you but down there it's usually some type of home made caramel sauce.
It doesn't end there because there are a few other things that make a New Orleans bread pudding recipe so unique and delicious. For instance, the Cajuns like to add flavorings like Amaretto, rum or any one of a number of types of dark rich liquors to their deserts including bread pudding. Also don't be afraid to sprinkle some nutmeg or cinnamon on top.
If you order this desert in the French Quarter, it may have chopped pecans in it as well. Also down there they like to use currants instead of raisins. Currants are a little bit smaller and have a stronger flavor. If you've never cooked with then then don't be afraid to give them a try.
There's a certain type of bread that is used all over in New Orleans that they also use in their bread pudding recipes. Down there they call it a poor boy roll and it's actually a very soft 3 foot long baguette. If you can get your hands on this type of bread in your local community, then by all means do it.