Chocolate Bread Pudding

So bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts. I have long looked and tried different recipes to satisfy me, and this chocolate version is wonderful!

Ingredients:

1 c heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 c half and half

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cocoa powder

4 c 1 inch cubes bread

1/2 c sugar

3 eggs

2 egg yolks

1/2 c chocolate chips

1. In saucepan heat heavy cream and 1/2 the half and half. Stir constantly on low heat so as not to burn. Add cocoa powder and stir till completely blended and heated. Remove from heat and add remaining half and half.

2. In separate bowl whisk together eggs and yolks. Add sugar and vanilla whisking until golden and bubbly. Slowly add hot mixture and mix till well blended.

3. Now add you cubed bread and toss. Add your chocolate chips and toss. Allow to soak for an hour to absorb the custard.

4. Preheat oven to 325. Grease a 8x8 baking dish with butter. Add your mixture and bake for 40 minutes.

Stick this in the oven as you serve dinner to be ready and waiting by evening dessert. Serve warm with whipped cream!

Cook's tip

Bread note: You can use any bread, but using an egg bread makes this even more "cakey".

Chocolate note: You can use any kind of chocolate you want here. Remember that white chocolate is super sweet!

Variations:

White chocolate and Macadamia nuts

Dark chocolate and walnuts

No chocolate, double the vanilla and add 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to cream mixture