Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with the butter and dust with 4 1/2 teaspoons of the sugar.
 
Whisk together the eggs, cream, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, syrup, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add the pecans, orange juice, zest, brandy, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix well. Add the bread cubes and let soak for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 8 hours.
 
Pour into the prepared pan, and bake until the pudding is set in the center and golden, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. To serve, cut into equal portions and top with the Espresso Creme Anglaise.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings