Creating Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce can be a delightful experience when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Bread: In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale French bread with raisins (if using). Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Gently fold until the bread is well coated and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Let It Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up the custard.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare Bourbon Sauce: While the pudding is baking, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and butter. Stir until melted and bubbly.
9. Add Cream and Bourbon: Gradually whisk in heavy cream, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Continue to cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
10. Cool and Serve: Once the bread pudding is done, allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Drizzle warm bourbon sauce over individual servings.