Chocolate-Dried Cherry Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brandy 
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar dark packed
• 4 ounces chocolate chips dark
• 0.5 cup cherries dried
• 5 large eggs 
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar 
• 1 cup heavy cream 
• 3 ounces milk chocolate chips 
• 0.3  orange zest finely grated
• 0.3 teaspoon sea salt fine
• 1 tablespoon sugar 
• 1 of seeds vanilla bean 
• 6 slices bread white soft cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup milk whole

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• sauce pan
• oven
• whisk
• ramekin

Directions

1. Special equipment: Eight 4-ounce ramekins
2. Put the dark chocolate chips in a large heatproof bowl. In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar until well combined.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring the cream, milk, brandy, orange zest, vanilla seeds, salt, and granulated sugar to a boil; stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Pour the hot liquid over the dark chocolate chips and whisk until melted and smooth. While whisking constantly, pour the dark chocolate mixture into the eggs, mixing until combined.
5. Add the bread and toss gently to coat.
6. Transfer the bread mixture to the refrigerator and cool to room temperature. Stir in the chocolate chips and dried cherries. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
7. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Put eight 4-ounce ramekins on a baking sheet and lightly coat them with cooking spray.
8. Stir the bread pudding mixture to evenly distribute the chocolate chips and cherries. Divide the mixture among the prepared ramekins.
9. Sprinkle a little Turbinado sugar over the top of each pudding and bake until puffed and set, about 30 minutes.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.