Pumpkin Bread Pudding

When picturing a Thanksgiving meal, my mind’s eye moves straight to the pumpkin pie, its crust golden and flaky, the filling tawny orange flecked with spicy brown. But some years, it’s good to part with tradition! Treat your family to this luscious bread pudding, if not for Thanksgiving then before or after. While it’s a bit homely looking, you’ll be licking the dish clean! The original recipe is what makes America obese: the portions were enormous and laden with fat and sugar! Even with half the calories and a third the fat, you’ll find the revised recipe generous and rich. ALANNA's TIPS Use fresh rather than stale bread – it will more easily soak up the pumpkin-infused egg and milk mixture. If the bread is crusty, think about removing the crust before tearing into cubes. For texture contrast, top with a few toasted pecans. If you bake ahead of time, reheat the pudding before serving. The sauce can easily be made in advance, then reheated. If you’ve wanted to expe