Bread Pudding With Orange Caramel Sauce Recipe

Directions:

1. To make the pudding;.
2. Heat the milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight to steep.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F Put the bread cubes in a large bowl.
5. Reheat the milk mixture and remove the cinnamon stick. In a large bowl, lightly whisk together the yolks and eggs.
6. Pour the milk mixture into the eggs and mix thoroughly.
7. Pour this mixture over the bread and allow to soak for a few minutes.
8. Butter the insides of eight 5-ounce ramekins. Divide the mixture among the ramekins and place them in a roasting pan or on a large, deep sheet pan.
9. Pour about 1 inch of water into the pan to create a water bath.
10. Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 1/4 hours.
11. To make the sauce:
12. Bring orange juice to a simmer over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan, then reduce to 1/4 cup, about 10 minutes.
13. Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl, add cream, and set aside.
14. In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and continue to cook, stirring frequently until sugar is lightly caramelized, about 3 minutes.
15. Add the orange juice mixture, stirring constantly.
16. Simmer for 5 minutes and strain through a fine sieve.
17. Serve the pudding warm, either turned out onto individual plates or left inside the ramekins.
18. Top with the sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar.