I usually make it with homemade Italian or French because that is what I usually have around. And I do prefer it made with a white bread. But I also make it out of gingerbread or spicy loaf cake or even a chocolate bread. Just about any bread will work. I don't add raisins or other dried fruit, but it you like raisins or currants just add them. Nancy, Actually, even grocery store white will work. The bread totally absorbs the egg custard and holds up well in bread and butter putting. My mom wasn't a very good cook, but she made a great Bread and Butter pudding and all she ever used was grocery store bread. Ann

Ta-dah! I did chop the dates, then soaked them. I realized I could have also just soaked them whole and put them in a blender and added the "paste" to the recipe and I might do that next time, just to see what happens! Smiles! Sooz

Thanks so much Annie that’s what I thought looking at pictures and you tube I just knew it couldn’t be the measurements I saw on Amazon. My pull out is 12 x 22 DH did say he could make a bigger one I have room but he made this one to fit the Kitchen Aid. I’m going to call Pleasant Hill Grains in the morning and order me a new mixer. Happy Birthday to me just a little early! Thanks again, Claudia

Just a note to say that although I'm not Ann T, I really enjoyed my month living in Ft. Collins during the time my collie was getting treatment for nasal adenosarcoma with Dr. Bill Dernell over at the veterinary teaching hospital. Beautiful city, friendly people all around!