Budin (Puerto Rican Bread Pudding)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup water
• 2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
• 15 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon anise seed
•  
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 (1 pound) loaf day-old bread
• 4 cups evaporated milk
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted