KAHLUA SCENTED CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING WITH BOURBON SAUCE

KAHLUA SCENTED CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING WITH BOURBON SAUCE Ingredients: 10 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 T. vanilla extract 1 cup chocolate chips, melted 1 quart half and half 1 lb. soft bread, cut into cubes (at least 8 cups) ¼ cup Kahlua ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts or macadamia nuts 2 T. melted butter In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar and vanilla, .  Whisk until combined. In another bowl, combine the melted chocolate and the half and half.  Add to egg mixture.  Add bread, Kahlua and nuts.  Mix well. Place melted butter in a  9” x 13” baking pan. Pour the bread mixture into pan.  Spread evenly.  Cover loosely with foil.  Bake in 350˚ oven (middle shelf) for 1 hour.  Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until puffed and center is set. Cool.  Cut into 9 pieces.  Serve with bourbon sauce. BOURBON SAUCE 4 T. butter 2 cups confectioner’s sugar ¼ cup bourbon or rum or other favorite “flavoring” 1 tsp. vanilla extract zest and juice of 1 orange In medium saucepan, heat butter.  Slowly add sugar.  Whisk on low heat to combine. Off the heat, add the bourbon, vanilla, orange zest and juice.  Return to heat and stir well, cook on low for 1 minute. Serve warm over bread pudding.