Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Bread pudding

 * 4 slices stale bread
 * 4 tablespoons sugar
 * 3½ cups milk
 * 4 eggs, separated
 * 1 tablespoon vanilla
 * 1 pinch salt
 * ¼ cup butter
 * raisins (optional)

Whiskey sauce

 * ½ cup sugar
 * ¼ cup water
 * ⅛ cup butter
 * whiskey

Bread pudding

 * 1) Break bread into ovenproof dish (1½ quart at least).
 * 2) Soften bread with small amount of milk.
 * 3) Beat sugar and egg yolks.
 * 4) Add milk, stir well.
 * 5) Add vanilla and salt.
 * 6) Pour milk mixture over bread.
 * 7) Fold in raisins if used.
 * 8) Cut butter into chunks and fold in.
 * 9) Place dish in pan of water and bake at 300 degrees for 40 – 50 minutes, or until a silver knife inserted comes out clean.
 * 10) Make meringue adding 2 level tablespoons sugar to each egg white.
 * 11) Spread, and return to 350°F oven until brown (browning in a slow oven prevents falling).
 * 12) Serve warm.

Whiskey sauce

 * 1) Cook until dissolved.
 * 2) Remove from heat, add whiskey to individual taste.