Cherry Chestnut Bread Pudding

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 9
• 7 cups cubed 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

Recipe

• 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.