stale bread

I had a leftover half loaf of italian bread from the bakery ; it was way too stale to eat (crouton like state). So instead of tossing it I made:

Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding

1/3 cup craisins (or raisins)
3 Tb. dark rum
1 Tb. unsalted butter
3 med. bananas, halved lengthwise then sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
4 Tb. dark brown sugar
1 1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
3 Tb. granulated sugar
1/3 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups cuped french bread

In a small bowl, combine craisins and rum. Let stand 10 min. Drain, reserving rum and craisins separately.
In lg. bowl whisk milk,eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon ,vanilla and reserved craisins. Stir in bread cubes let stand 15 min.
Preheat oven to 350.
In med. skillet, melt butter over med-high heat. When frothy, add banana slices and cook, stirring frequently until lightly browned, 3 minutes or so. Remove skillet from heat and add brown sugar and rum. Return skillet to heat and cook until rum evaporates about 30 sec.
In large baking dish sprayed with pam, spoon in 1/2 the bread mixture, then 1/2 banana mixture. Repeat to use all. Bake until puffed and golden; bout 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temp.