Ingredients:
1/2 cup melted butter, divided
8 slices D’Italiano Original White Bread
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup dried sweetened cherries, slightly chopped
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
2 eggs
1 cup of heavy cream
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup orange marmalade
Directions:
Spread 2 tablespoons melted butter evenly on bottom of 8x8x2-inch baking pan. Set aside.
Cut crusts off bread with serrated knife. Place crust in food processor or finely mince by hand to resemble breadcrumbs. Add brown sugar, cinnamon and the remaining melted butter; mix well.
Place 4 slices of bread on the bottom of prepared pan. Sprinkle cherries, chocolate chips, and 1-cup spiced breadcrumbs evenly over bread. Top with 4 slices of bread.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, cream, sugar, and nutmeg until smooth. Set aside.
Pour egg mixture over bread.
Add pecans to remaining breadcrumbs and lightly press on top of egg mixture. Set pan aside for 15 minutes to allow cream to absorb.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake Perdu for 30 minutes in the center of the oven. Cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine maple syrup and marmalade in a small saucepan and heat on medium-low until warm.
Using a round 2 1/2 –inch food cutter or a glass as a template, cut with a knife 6 portions. Use a flexible spatula to remove Perdu and place on desserts plates. Drizzle Marmalade Maple syrup on plate and over each Pain Perdu. Serves: 6
*Serving Option: Cut into 9 squares instead of rounds.