IRISH BREAD PUDDING WITH CARAMEL-WHISKEY SAUCE

Steps:

• Caramel-Whisky Sauce: Combine sugar and water in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly.
• Cook an additional 15 minutes or until golden (do not stir).
• Remove from heat.
• Carefully add butter and cream cheese, stirring constantly with a whisk (mixture will be hot and bubble vigorously).
• Cool slightly, and stir in whiskey and milk.
• Pudding: Preheat oven to 350F.
• Brush melted butter on one side of French bread slices, and place bread, buttered sides up, on a baking sheet.
• Bake bread at 350F for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted.
• Cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes, and set aside.
• 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 15 minutes.
• Spoon bread mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
• Combine 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over pudding.
• Bake at 350F for 35 minutes or until set.
• Serve warm with Caramel-Whiskey Sauce.
• *Substitute1/4 cup apple juice for the Irish whiskey, if desired.