Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
4 eggs
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces Kahlua or brandy
2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
4 cups cubed stale French bread
Whipped cream or vanilla cream, optional
Chocolate sprinkles, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch (6-cup) loaf pan.
2. Melt 1 cup chocolate chips and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, melted chocolate and Kahlua in a large bowl. When very smooth, stir in milk and mix well. Add bread and let stand for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure bread is evenly soaked.
4. Ladle half the bread mixture into loaf pan. Spread remaining 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips on top. Ladle remaining bread mixture over chocolate chips. Bake about 55 minutes, until center is set. Cool. Garnish with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and chocolate sprinkles, if desired. Serves 10.

Per serving: 480 calories, 20g fat, 10g prot., 68g carbs., 4g fiber, 150mg sodium.