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1
Do not preheat oven; grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish and set aside.
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2
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, raisins, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom.
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3
Add the bread pieces and toss well to combine; set aside.
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4
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla to blend.
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5
Pour the liquid over the bread mixture and stir until the bread pieces have absorbed the liquid.
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6
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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7
Place on a rack in the center of a cold oven and set the oven to 350.
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8
Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until golden brown.
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9
Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.
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10
Serve warm drizzled with either the strawberry sauce or hard sauce.
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11
Strawberry sauce-in a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, Grand Marnier, and sugar.
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12
Cover and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
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13
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water; stir to blend.
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14
Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the strawberry mixture.
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15
Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and cool slightly; serve warm.
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16
Hard sauce-in the bowl of an electric mixer set on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar until light.
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17
Add the rum or brandy, vanilla, and nutmeg; beat for 5 minutes; serve at room temperature.
