15 c loaf French bread, cut into cubes (about 1 lb) .
6 large eggs, lightly beaten .
1/4 c heavy cream .
1/4 c cocoa powder .
1 c packed light brown sugar .
1 c sliced pecans .
1 c granulated sugar .
3 c milk .
2 tsps almond extract .
1/2 c coffee-flavored liqueur .
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips .
1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon .
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Directions
Step #1 Preheat the oven to 325F degrees F.
Step #2 Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
Step #3 Place the bread in the baking dish.
Step #4 In a large bowl, cream, whisk together the milk, & liqueur.
Step #5 In another bowl, mix the granulated & brown sugars with the cocoa powder & mix well.
Step #6 Add this to the milk mixture & whisk to mix.
Step #7 Add the vanilla & almond extracts & the cinnamon to the beaten eggs.
Step #8 Combine the egg mixture with the milk mixture & mix well.
Step #9 Stir in chocolate chips & pecans.
Step #10 Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes; let this stand, stirring every once in awhile, for at least 20 mins, or until the bread has absorbed most of the milk mixture.
Step #11 Bake the pudding for 1 hr, or until set; a knife inserted into the center of the pudding should come out clean.
Step #12 Serving the pudding warm, or put in the fridge it & serve chilled.
Step #13 Serve it warm or cold, with whipped cream or a dessert sauce.