Serves: 6
Total Calories: 342

3 cups bread cubes (1/2-inch) from a sourdough batarde loaf with crust removed
1/2 cup sun-dried sweet cherries
1/3 cup cognac
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
6 sprigs fresh mint for garnish

1. Arrange the bread cubes on a baking pan and let sit uncovered overnight to dry. In a small bowl, soak the cherries in the Cognac overnight to soften.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

3. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler set over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from over water. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, cream, sour cream or crème fraîche, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Whisk in the warm chocolate. Fold in the bread and the cherries with Cognac. Let stand until the bread fully absorbs the custard and no white from the bread is showing. This may take up to 2 hours. Divide the mixture among six 10-ounce individual soufflé dishes or one 2-quart soufflé dish. Place the soufflé dish(es) in a large roasting pan. Fill the pan halfway with boiling water.

4. Bake until the pudding is puffed up and set to the touch, about 35-40 minutes. Carefully remove from the dishes and cool slightly.

5. In a small bowl, whisk the crème fraîche and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Put a large dollop on top of each serving and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve warm.

TO MAKE AHEAD: Prepare through Step 4. Let cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

TO REHEAT: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 6 to 8 minutes before serving. Proceed with Step 5.

From From Our House To Yours. Compilation copyright © 2002 by Chronicle Books LLC. Foreword copyright © 2002 by Joyce Goldstein. Photographs copyright © 2002 by E.J. Armstrong. All rights reserved. First published by Chronicle Books LLC, San Francisco, California.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 6
Total Calories: 342
Calories from Fat: 237

More Recipes from the From Our House to Yours Cookbook:
*Sweets
Apple Crisp With Dried Fruits
Butterscotch Pudding
Buttery Pound Cake
Chocolate Bread Pudding With Sun-Dried Cherries
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double-Fudge Frosted Brownies
Erna's Make-In-Your-Sleep Raspberry Rice Pudding
Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Mile-High Lemon Angel Food Cake With Lemon Glaze
Mrs. Keller's Gingerbread
Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
Poached Pears With Orange Sauce
S'more Squares
Zuni's Café's Chocolate Pot De Crème