Pecan, Bourbon and Butterscotch Bread Pudding - ST LOUIS STYLE

Ingredients

• 1 cup (packed) light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
• 1 pound day-old rustic white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1/2" cubes (12 cups)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 cups pecan pieces