Soak the raisins in the rum for 15-30 minutes (Do not discard rum. Set aside). Or use hot water or hot apple juice to soak them.
Spray or butter a 1.5 to 2 quart oven safe dish and set aside (I use one of the 7"x3" ekovana Stackable Stainless Pans or a Fat Daddio's 7"x3" push pan)
Place the bread cubes and pecans in a mixing bowl. Toss to mix. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until well combined.
Add vanilla, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and half and half. Whisk together well.
Drizzle in the melted butter as you whisk. Keep whisking until well combined.
Take the raisins from the rum (save the rum) and add the raisins to the bread cubes, tossing to mix.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread and lightly mix to coat all of the bread cubes. Then transfer to the prepared pan. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
Cover the pan tightly with sprayed foil.