CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING

Ingredients

Custard

6 6 6ounces OUNCE_USVolumebittersweet chocolate
1 ¹/₂ 1.5 1.5ounces OUNCE_USVolumeunsweetened chocolate
3 3 3whole eggs
3 3 3egg yolks
2 2 2cups CUP_USVolumehalf-and-half
¹/₄ 0.25 0.25cup CUP_USVolumesugar

Soaking Liquid

1 ¹/₂ 1.5 1.5cups CUP_USVolumehalf and half
1 1 1cup CUP_USVolumesugar
2 2 2tablespoons TABLESPOON_USVolumesugar
¹/₃ 0.33 0.33cup CUP_USVolumeunsweetened cocoa
8 8 81/2-inch thick slices brioche or challah

Instructions

Prepare the custard: In a stainless steel bowl or double boiler placed over simmering water, melt the two chocolates.
In a large stainless steel bowl, beat the whole eggs and the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in the sugar and beat until fluffy.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan bring the half-and-half to a rolling boil. Slowly whisk into the egg mixture. Then, whisk in the melted chocolate. Chill over ice and refrigerate, covered, until needed. (This should be prepared the day before so that the custard will thicken.)
When ready to prepare the pudding, combine the soaking liquid ingredients in a saucepan and heat until the cocoa is completely dissolved. With a 2-inch cookie cutter cut each slice of bread into two 2 inch circles (16 circles). Arrange the circles of bread in 1 or 2 dishes large enough to hold the circles in one layer. Pour the soaking liquid over and soak well, turning so that the bread absorbs as much liquid as possible.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 8 1-cup molds or custard cups.
Prepare the pudding: Spoon a layer of custard (about 1/4 cup) into the bottom of each of the 8 cups. Using a slotted spoon remove a circle of bread and set in the custard. Spoon over a second layer of custard, a second circle of bread and top with a final layer of custard. Repeat this procedure, filling the remaining cups with custard and bread, and then arrange the cups in a large baking pan. Fill the pan with boiling water, halfway up the sides of the cups. Bake 30 minutes. Cool and refrigerate until needed.

Presentation

Dust the puddings with sifted powdered sugar and pass a bowl of unsweetened whipped cream around the table.

Wine Recommendation

Chocolate is such an intense sensation that I like to pair it with something crisp and refreshing. A Charbaut Rosé Champagne or perhaps a Californian Sparkling Rosé from Domaine Chandon. Or you can travel the more traditional route and look to a dessert wine from Sauternes or the wonderful Bonny Doon Vin de Glaciere.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

If the thought of serving chocolate soufflé makes you nervous for fear that it might not be perfect, try this Chocolate Bread Pudding. It is as delicious as any soufflé and can be prepared in advance.