Preheat the oven to 375º F. Butter a 9- x 13-inch baking pan.
Cut the bread into 1-inch squares. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until it dries out.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 cup of the brown sugar and ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Evenly pour the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Top with the bread cubes and press down slightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, whiskey, the remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 2 teaspoons nutmeg. Evenly pour the mixture over the bread cubes.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and pecans, if using. Continue baking for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with powdered sugar, blueberries and syrup, if desired.
