Cherry Chestnut Bread Pudding

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"Leftover bread becomes an elegant dessert with this holiday twist on bread pudding. Just as easy but oh, so festive....."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 9

ingredients

• 7 cups cubed white bread, about 1/2 inch each (no crusts)
• 1 cup roasted chestnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
• 1 (300 ml) can sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand)
• 1 cup sweetened chestnut puree
• 6 large eggs, well beaten
• 2 1⁄4 cups hot tap water
• 1 teaspoon imitation brandy extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated

directions

1. Place half of bread cubes in nonstick or sprayed 9-inch square pan. Sprinkle half of chopped chestnuts and dried cherries on top; cover with remaining bread cubes.
2. Stir remining ingredeints together in a bowl, and pour over bread cubes. Sprinkle with remaining chopped chestnuts and dried cherries.
3. Bake uncovered until knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Serve warm or cool. Refrigerate leftovers.
4. VARIATION: You can substitute dried sweetened cranberries for the dried cherries, and other roasted nuts such as walnuts for the roasted chestnuts.