Cherry Chocolate Almond Croissant Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 1.5 teaspoons almond extract 
• 1 cup almonds sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter softened
• 21 ounce premium cherry pie filling canned
• 6 medium croissants halved
• 3  eggs lightly beaten
• 1.5 cups half-and-half light
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces 

Equipment

• oven
• wire rack

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spread butter on bottom and sides of a 9- to 10-inch deep-dish pie plate. In a shallow container combine eggs, half-and-half, and almond extract; add croissants.
3. Let soak 3 minutes, turning once.
4. Place bottom halves of croissants, cut-side-up, in the prepared dish.
5. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the chocolate. Spoon on 1/2 cup LUCKY LEAF Cherry Pie Filling and 1/2 cup of the nuts.
6. Add croissant tops, cut-sides down, remaining chocolate, another 1/2 cup pie filling and the remaining nuts.
7. Pour on any remaining egg mixture.
8. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack about 30 minutes.
9. Heat remaining LUCKY LEAF Cherry Pie Filling and pass with bread pudding.
10. Serve with ice cream, if desired.