Boyden House Bed & Breakfast

Chocolate Bread Pudding: Breakfast-Brunch

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 

  1 1/2 cups Milk

• 

  1 1/4 cups Chocolate chips

• 

  3 cups Bread cubes-1/2 inch

• 

  14 Pitted prunes or dired cherries-cut in small pieces

• 

  4 Eggs

• 

  1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon

• 

  1/4 teaspoon Salt

• 

  2 teaspoon Vanilla

• 

  1/4 cup Sugar

• 

  1 tablespoon Minced orange zest (otiopnal)

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour the milk into a medium sized saucepan and add 3/4 cup of chocolate chips. Place ofer very low heat until the chocolate melts. Don't boil or otherwise cook the milk as soon as the chocolate is melted. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 2:

Lightly spray a 9x11" baking pan with nonstick spray. Spread the bread cube in the pan. Sprinkle in the dried prunes or cherries and the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Then shake the pan to distribute everything somewhat evenly.

Step 3:

Break the eggs into the jar of a large blender or the work bowl of a food processor, and process until they are will beaten. Add the cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and sugar, and process again until smooth. Keep the machine running while you drizzle in the chocolate milk. Being sure to scrape in all the chocolate. Blend until smooth, adding the grated orange zest, if desired. Pour the chocolate mixture over the bread mixture and let it sit for about 5 minuts. Use your fingeror a spoon to poke the bread into the liquid until all the pieces are soaked.

Step 4:

Bake in the center of the oven for 35-40 inutes, or until the custard is almost set. (It's OK if it is still slightly wet on top, as it will continue to cook from its own heat for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven.

Step 5:

Cool for at least 15 minutes vefore serving. Serve warm or at room temperatiure (or even cold)---plain or wiht a little whipped cream/creme fraiche/raspberry suce ont he side. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar or cocoa on top and garnish with fresh berries or other fruit.