The Genius Brunch Idea We’re Totally Stealing from Reba McEntire’s Restaurant Menu

Reba + brunch

If given the opportunity, there are likely a slew of things we could list that we wouldn’t mind stealing from Queen of Country Reba McEntire. For one, who wouldn't want to be able to hit a note like a multi-Grammy award-winning singer? And let's not get into how well the The Voice star pulls off a pair of cowboy boots and an accompanying jumpsuit on a random Tuesday night.

If style and talent make greatness, Reba McEntire has got it all going on—with tater tots to boot. And speaking of tater tots, McEntire has also written a cookbook and has a restaurant, Reba's Place, in Atoka, OK. And it was on the Reba's Place Instagram that we recently ran across a fun menu item that we think we're going have to try at our place.

Listed under the Sweets For Your Sweetie category in a brunch menu posted to the restaurant's Instagram highlight, the Banana Bread Bread Pudding caught our eye. On the menu, it's described as homemade banana bread baked in vanilla bean custard and topped with whipped banana pudding, buttercrunch pecans and chantilly cream. It's served with bourbon butter and maple syrup on top. All we have to say is, yes please.

Related: Reba McEntire Might Be a Simple Gal, But Her BLT Is Anything But

How to Make Banana Bread Bread Pudding (We Think)

The mashup of the classic breakfast bread and the comfort food dessert really seems like a match made in heaven—and something that would be perfect for brunch. The only problem? It's no longer on the menu and we couldn't find a recipe for the Reba's Place mashup anywhere online.

But that doesn't mean that this is an impossible dream. Where there's a will (and internet access) there's a way, right? With our cooking experience and internet searching skills we think we've figured out a way to make this brunch dream happen.

First, we found a couple of recipes for something similar (here and here). Based on those (and our experience with bread pudding), it would be best to use somewhat stale banana bread. Another (maybe better) option: cut the bread into larger cubes and bake it until it's toasted on all sides. Homemade banana bread would be great, but a store-bought option would work too.

Once you have your stale (or toasted) banana bread cubes, arrange them in a greased baking dish or loaf pan. In a bowl, whisk 4 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Pour that mixture over the banana bread cubes and push down on the bread to make sure it's all covered by the custard mixture. (Depending on our mood, we might sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the top before putting it in the oven...or start with Willie Nelson's chocolate chip banana bread.)

Bake at 350° for about 1 hour before giving it a test. To see if it's ready, insert a knife into the center of the bread cubes. If the knife comes out mostly clean, it's time to take it out of the oven and enjoy. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream—and an all-Reba soundtrack.

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