Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce

In a 4-quart pot, scald milk and let cool for several minutes. Add the bread, raisins, pecans, and butter and blend well. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs combine them with the remaining ingredients, blending until they are mixed well. Add egg mixture to the bread mixture.

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease well and 8 x 8" square cake pan. Pour pudding mixture into pan and cook for approximately 1-1/2 hours. Test for doneness by inserting a straw in the center of the pan the see if it comes out clean; if not bake longer. The top should be moderate brown color when done. Serve with hot rum sauce.