Name: Christmas Croissant Pudding with Sour Cream and Brown Sugar Sauce
Yield: Makes 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 6 large eggs; 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 8 croissants (about 1 pound), torn into 3/4-inch pieces; 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped; 1 cup raisins, chopped; 1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds; 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel; 2 cups sour cream; 1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar; 1 tablespoon grated orange peel; 1/2 cup brandy

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Dish Meal and Plant

Christmas Croissant Pudding with Sour Cream and Brown Sugar SauceMark Thomas

In this version of the classic holiday dessert, a croissant bread pudding is steamed in the oven instead of on the stove top. Ignite the finished product in front of the guests for maximum effect.

Recipe notes

Heavenly Halva Cake

Serve a thick slice for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Sfouf (Semolina Turmeric Cake)

Semolina flour and turmeric give this simple cake a sunny hue and nutty flavor.

Luscious Banana Pudding

Layer homemade custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers under clouds of whipped cream for this iconic dessert.

Mississippi Mud Cake

This cake was created from thrift and was supposedly named after its appearance, which reminded people of the muddy Mississippi River bottom.

Sour Cherry and Campari Galette

This Campari-spiked galette features the herbal aperitif, tart cherries, and floral citrus zest and is perfect for those who prefer bitter to sweet.

Nankhatai (Semolina Shortbread)

These cookies are gently sweetened and perfect with a cup of tea.

Rye, Cranberry, and Dark Chocolate Cookies

This cookie is an unintended “celebrity.” It’s one of very few cookies that customers ask for specifically upon arrival at Mokonuts.

Masoub (Banana and Flatbread Pudding)

This quick breakfast or dessert is renowned in Yemen and throughout the Arabian Peninsula.