Ingredients
4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten2 cups 2% milk1/2 cup packed brown sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon vanilla extract3/4 teaspoon ground ginger1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon ground cloves2 tablespoons rum, optional6 slices day-old French bread (1 inch thick), cubed1/3 cup slivered almondsVanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk together first 9 ingredients and, if desired, rum. Gently stir in bread; let stand 15 minutes or until bread is softened.
Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Sprinkle with almonds.
Bake, uncovered, until puffed, golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Serve warm, with ice cream.
