Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Streusel

Place the sweet potatoes in a steamer basket and steam over boiling water until soft and tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Mash or press sweet potatoes through a sieve to create a smooth puree. You need 1 cup for this recipe, extra puree can be frozen.

Combine the cream and milk in a small pan and scald over medium heat. Whisk the eggs, vanilla, sugar, spice, Amaretto, raisins, and 1 cup of sweet potato puree in a small bowl. Add the hot cream and whisk to blend. Place the bread cubes in a medium bowl and add the custard. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow bread to absorb the liquid.

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan and set aside.

Make the streusel by combining the flour, sugar, spice, and nuts in a small bowl. Add the butter and mix to a rough crumb with your fingers. Transfer the pudding to the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel on top. Make a bain-marie by placing the 9-inch pan in a larger pan and adding hot water to come halfway up the sides of the pudding. Bake until the pudding is set and golden, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool before cutting into squares and serving.

The dessert can be refrigerated, covered, and reheated in the microwave or a 250 degrees F oven, if desired.