Butterscotch Sauce

•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)

Pudding
•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
•1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
•2 cups pecan pieces