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Giada makes treats for Santa and his reindeer

TODAY contributor Giada De Laurentiis shares some of her recipes for Italian desserts and sweets to serve during the holidays

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Giada makes treats for Santa
TODAY's David Gregory talks with Giada De Laurentiis, an Italian chef and show contributor, about some of her Italian recipes for sweets and treats for Santa, his reindeer, and your family.

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updated 11:57 a.m. ET Dec. 22, 2006

Many children leave milk and cookies for Santa. But what about his hard-working reindeer? Giada De Laurentiis, an Italian chef and show contributor, shares some of her recipes for Italian treats everyone can enjoy Christmas morning. (By the way, reindeer are partial to raisins.) Try these at home:

Panettone Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce
Giada De Laurentiis

8 to 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

Sauce:

1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Bread Pudding:

1 (1-pound) loaf panettone bread, crusts trimmed, bread cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/4 cups sugar

Recipe continues below ↓
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DIRECTIONS

To make the sauce:
Bring the cream, milk, and sugar to a boil in a heavy small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. In a small bowl, mix the amaretto and cornstarch to blend, then whisk into the cream mixture. Simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Set aside and keep warm. (The amaretto sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving.)

To make the bread pudding:
Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes in prepared dish. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, milk, and sugar to blend. Pour the custard over the bread cubes, and press the bread cubes gently to submerge. Let stand for 30 minutes, occasionally pressing the bread cubes into the custard mixture. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake until the pudding puffs and is set in the center, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly. Spoon the bread pudding into bowls, drizzle with the warm amaretto sauce, and serve.

TIPS

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Inactive Time: 30 minutes

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