1 loaf French bread
1 qt. half and half
3 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. almond extract
3/4 c. sliced almonds
3/4 c. golden raisins (optional)

Break up bread into pieces. Cover with half and half. Let stand 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Beat eggs and sugar. Add almond extract. Stir into bread mixture. Fold in sliced almonds and raisins. Spread mixture evenly into greased dish.

Bake 50 minutes. Let cool.

Sauce:

8 tbsp. butter
1 c. powdered sugar
1 egg, well beaten
4 tbsp. Amaretto or 1 capful almond extract

In double boiler, stir together sugar and butter. Stir constantly until dissolved and mixture is very hot. Remove from heat. Whisk egg well into the butter and sugar mixture, whisking until the sauce has come to room temperature. Add Amaretto or almond extract. Spread over bread pudding.