Kahlua Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F
2. 2
   Spray 8x8 pan with cooking spray
3. 3
   Cut enough bread into small cubes to loosely fill the pan.
4. 4
   (You can over fill it a bit if using a fluffier bread)
5. 5
   Mix Kahlua, heavy cream, cinnamon and optional spices in a 4 cup container
6. 6
   Add sugar and mix thoroughly until it is dissolved.
7. 7
   Taste and add more sugar if not sweet enough for you.
8. 8
   In a separate container scramble eggs.
9. 9
   You need enough to bring your custard to 4 cups.
10. 10
    Add eggs to Kahlua/cream mixture and blend thoroughly.
11. 11
    Pour custard mixture over bread cubes.
12. 12
    Sprinkle craisins and almonds evenly over bread/custard.
13. 13
    Press bread cubes down into the custard until all the bread is soaked.
14. 14
    If using a dense bread you may need to let it sit for about 30 minutes to let the custard soak in completely.
15. 15
    Bake for 50 to 70 minutes.
16. 16
    It will rise well above the pan rim.
17. 17
    It's done when it feels dry on top and doesn't sound squishy when pressed in the middle.
18. 18
    For optional Ganache, melt chocolate chips in a stainless steel bowl over a pan of boiling water.
19. 19
    When chocolate is smooth remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream until completely blended.
20. 20
    Turn pot of water down to a low simmer and return the bowl of Ganache to hold warm until needed.
21. 21
    DO NOT let any water get into Ganache.
22. 22
    Drizzle warm Ganache over bread pudding just before serving.