Harvest Bread Pudding

5 cups white bread cubes
1 1/4 cups warm milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup chopped dates

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a
1 quart casserole dish and in it, combine the bread
cubes and milk, allow to soak, tossing lightly but not
mashing down the bread.

In medium bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg,
vanilla and eggs and mix well. Stir in raisins, nuts, and
dates. Add egg mixture to bread cube mixture, mix well, still keeping a light
touch on the bread cubes.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until pudding is set.
Serve with hard sauce, lemon sauce, caramel sauce.a dollop of vanilla ice
cream, or whipped cream. I've even used a drizzle of pure maple syrup over the
top.