Birthday Special: Choco-Berry Bread Pudding

Kenan turned 10 on Sunday!  I cannot believe how big he is now.  It was just yesterday that I woke up and they told me that mom had gone to the hospital and that I had another baby brother! :)  We went for a walk through the Harbor and down to the old ferry landing, to enjoy the beautiful sunshine, before heading to church. 

 I love this picture of the Birthday Boy!  His smile just lights up his whole face. :)

 

Nathanael (12) and Phinehas (2) on the path near the old ferry landing. 

The beach!!!! 

 

Nathanael, Kenan, Jared (7), Phinehas, and Timothy (12) throwing rocks into the water. 

 Heading back toward the Harbor to finish our walk. 

 Having fun dragging the stick in the water fountain.

 Phinehas and Timothy cooling their hands off in the water. 

 CHERRY BLOSSOMS!! One of the many things that I love about springtime.

 Jared, Kenan, and Phinehas.

Phoebe Anne (6) daydreaming. 

 More cherry blossoms :D

 Walking on the rock wall...enjoying being taller than everyone else.

After church, we went home and had his birthday dinner of choice:  bacon cheeseburgers and Caesar salad...which was good, but dessert was what we all wanted!! Chocolate Berry Bread Pudding!  There are those in my family that are not too thrilled with bread pudding when I've made it before... but it never had chocolate in it (or topped with it) before. :) Needless to say, it was a hit. Very rich, though.  So rich, in fact that most of us couldn't finish it.  You live and learn, right? Now I know to serve smaller servings next time. ;)

Chocolate + Berries + Bread Pudding + Whipped Cream = DELICOUSNESS!

How can you not resist running to the kitchen to make this? 

Cube 5 cups of whole wheat bread and place in a bowl.

Add to cubed bread, 3 cups frozen mixed berries, 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips,
and 3/4 cup chopped walnuts.

In another bowl, combine 5 eggs, 1 1/4 cups milk, 1/2 cup honey, 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla,
1 teaspoon each cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisk until fully incorporated.

Pour the egg mixture into the bread mixture and stir till mixed together.

Pour into a greased 9x13" pan.  Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes or
until custard is set (eggs are no longer runny/gooey).

In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup oats, 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts,
3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons softened butter.

Sprinkle streusel on top and bake-uncovered-for an additional 15-20 minutes
or until golden brown and puffy.

Let cool 15-20 minutes before serving.

While the pudding is cooling, in a double broiler, melt 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet
chocolate chips with 1-2 tablespoons canola oil or Crisco.

Stir until fully melted, smooth, and creamy.

 

Top with whipped cream and about 2 tablespoons melted chocolate. 

The Recipe: 

Choco-Berry Bread Pudding

~MariahCameron~

Pudding:

5 cups whole wheat bread, cubed

3 cups mixed berries

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup walnuts, chopped

5 eggs

1 1/4 cups milk

1/2 cup honey

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon allspice

Streusel:

1/3 cup flour

1/4 cup oats

2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Preheat oven to 375. Grease 9x13" baking dish. 

In a bowl,  combine bread cubes, berries, chocolate chips, and nuts; mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Combine both bowls and mix well.

Pour into prepared 9x13" and cover with foil.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until custard is set (egg is not runny/gooey).

In a small bowl, combine streusel ingredients until resembles coarse bread crumbs. 

Remove foil and sprinkle streusel on top. 

Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. 

Let cool 15-20 minutes before serving.

While pudding is cooling, in a double-broiler, melt 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate and 1-2 tablespoons canola oil or Crisco.

Stir until fully melted and smooth and creamy. 

Serve with whipped cream and about 2 tablespoons melted chocolate. 

Yield: 12-16 servings-- Remember, this is extremely RICH, so try to serve in small portions.