Microwave Chocolate Bread Pudding

littleturtle's Note:

Easy and tasty chocolate bread pudding made in just a few minutes in the microwave. Ordinary sandwich bread works fine or you can use fancier bread for a fancier pudding. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

• Total Time: 28 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 18 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 3 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons butter (3/4 stick)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 6 -7 slices day-old bread, cut 1-inch cubes (5 cups lightly packed)
• 1/4-1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup seedless raisin (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Combine milk, butter, and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on HIGH for 90 seconds, then stir; microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again (if butter and chocolate has not melted at this point continue microwaving and stirring at 30 second intervals until melted).
2. In an 8x8-inch glass baking dish or one of similar size, spread bread cubes evenly, then sprinle evenly with raisins, nuts, and salt.
3. Quickly beat together chocolate mixture, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon (mix well).
4. Pour mixture over bread and microwave on BAKE-7 or MEDIUM for 12-14 minutes.
5. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.