Black Forest Bread Pudding

1/3 cup butter, softened
12 ounces black rye bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 (12 or 16 ounce) package frozen pitted dark
    sweet cherries
2 (12 ounce) packages semisweet chocolate pieces
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 1/4 cups whipping cream
3/4 cup sugar
8 eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
whipped cream (optional)
sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

Butter a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with some of the butter; spread remaining butter on bread slices. Place bread slices in baking dish, overlapping as necessary to fit. Sprinkle with frozen cherries, half of thechocolate pieces, and the cinnamon. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan combine remaining chocolate pieces, 1 cup of the whipping cream, and the sugar; heat and stir just until chocolate is melted. Gradually stir in remaining cream.

Beat eggs in a very large bowl; stir in melted chocolate mixture and almond extract. Slowly pour over bread in dish (dish will be very full). Cover and chill 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 325ºF. Uncover bread pudding and place baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 70 to 80 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160ºF when inserted in the center. Cool on a wire rack at least 45 minutes. Serve warm. If desired, top with whipped cream and/or almonds.

Yield: 16 to 20 servings.

Nutrition facts per serving: calories: 546 total fat: 38g saturated fat: 22g monounsaturated fat: 12g polyunsaturated fat: 2g cholesterol: 183mg sodium: 229mg carbohydrate: 51g total sugar: 35g fiber: 4g protein: 8g vitamin C: 3% calcium: 8% iron: 14%