Bread Pudding with Chocolate and Cherries

Ingredients

• 1 can cherries whole, drained
• 1 cup brandy apple juice may be substituted
• 3 cups half and half
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 5 cups bread cubes soft 6 to 7 slices
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 6 individual custard cups with non-stick cooking spray.  Place cups in large roasting pan; set aside.
2. Combine cherries and juice or brandy in bowl and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan combine half and half and sugar.  Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
4. In a mixing bowl whisk eggs and egg yolks.  Add half and half mixture to  eggs, continue to whisk.  Add vanilla.
5. Add bread to mixture above and allow to stand at room temp. for about 20 minutes.  Stir in dried cherry mixture and spoon into custard cups.  Evenly sprinkle chopped chocolate over the tops of cups.
6. Place roasting pan on center oven rack and add hot water until cups are 1/2 way covered with water.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until done.