Star Anise Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 ounce cinnamon-raisin bread cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger chopped
• 4 large eggs lightly beaten
• 0.3 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 2.3 cups whipped cream reduced-fat (such as Healthy Choice)
• 9 servings try build-a-meal 
• 6  star anise 
• 0.5 cup sugar 
• 1 tablespoon sugar 
• 2 cups milk whole

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• oven
• knife
• whisk
• sieve
• baking pan

Directions

1. Combine the milk and star anise in a small, heavy saucepan.
2. Heat to 180 or until tiny bubbles form around edge of pan, stirring frequently (do not boil).
3. Remove from heat; cover and steep 20 minutes. Strain milk mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl; discard star anise.
4. Add 1/2 cup sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and eggs; stir with a whisk. Gently stir in bread.
5. Let stand 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.Preheat oven to 35
6. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
7. Sprinkle the mixture evenly with 1 tablespoon sugar.
8. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Serve each piece warm with 1/4 cup ice cream.