Next, sprinkle the brown sugar over the pudding. Let the pudding stand about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread has softened.

Cook the bread for 2½ to 3 hours or until it is firm to the touch and cooked through. It is done when it pulls away from the sides, and a tester inserted into the middle comes out clean. Add more ...

1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Place half and half in a large mixing bowl and add the bread that has been cut into squares. Press the bread into the milk with your hands until all of the milk is absorbed.

Scald the milk: Heat to ~170°F, steaming but not boiling (Scalding was used to kill bacteria before pasteurization and to improve texture in bread and custards.) ...