Best Bread Pudding Recipe

I recently made bread pudding. It came out so pretty that I had to put it up, even though the recipe is not mine :) I have tried several bread pudding recipes before, and this recipe by Paula Deen gave the best results:

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large beaten eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups cubed Italian bread, allow to stale overnight in a bowl
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brandy

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.

Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter, and pecans.

Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.

For the sauce:

Mix together the granulated sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold.

Note : I did not make the sauce, and it still tasted great. 

Note 2: I added dried fruits. I just wanted to get rid of old stuff like dried peaches, apricots, dates, and plums. It tasted great and added to the flavor of the dish. But in ordinary times, I would replace them with raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh strawberries.
Note 3: I tried pecans because I never use pecans in cooking (they are not native to Nepal), and I wanted to see how it would be. They were good, but I think walnuts would be even better.
Note 4:: I repeat, this is by far the best bread pudding recipe among all I've tried.