Black Forest Bread Pudding

6 c Italian bread cubes
3/4 c dried cherries
2 1/2 c milk
1/2 c sugar
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
3 eggs
1 egg white
1/3 c confectioners' sugar
Preheat oven to 325º.
Mix bread and cherries a bowl. Bring milk and sugar in saucepan to boiling. Stir in chocolate until almost melted. Remove from heat; stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature. Whisk eggs and white in small bowl. Add to chocolate. Pour over bread. Cover; let stand 30 minutes.
Butter 11X7X2" baking pan. Pour bread mixture into pan. Cover tightly with buttered aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven 30 minutes. Remove foil; cool slightly. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve with whipped cream if desired.
Makes 8 servings.

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