4 stale slices firm-textured white bread, crusts and all (see headnote)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup dark seedless raisins (see headnote)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup bourbon (see Tip above)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice