Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Pudding with Maple Sauce

A luxurious bread pudding uses generous amounts of heavy cream, eggs and butter. Here, the eggs and butter in the challah or other egg bread provide that richness, while a pureed banana contributes creaminess without fat or cholesterol. Cinnamon sugar sprinkled over the top becomes a sparkling crust as the pudding bakes. The warm maple sauce, spiced with cinnamon and orange, adds a taste of New England. If possible, use dark grade B maple syrup, which has a wonderfully deep, intense flavor.