Cherry Chocolate Almond Croissant Bread Pudding

Directions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Step 2
   Spread butter on bottom and sides of a 9 to 10-inch deep-dish pie plate.

3. Step 3
   In a shallow container combine eggs, half-and-half, and almond extract; add croissants. Let soak 3 minutes, turning once. Place bottom halves of croissants, cut-side-up, in the prepared dish.

4. Step 4
   Sprinkle with 1/2 of the chocolate. Spoon on 1/2-cup pie filling and 1/2-cup of the nuts. Add croissant tops, cut-sides down, remaining chocolate, another 1/2-cup pie filling and the remaining nuts. Pour on any remaining egg mixture.

5. Step 5
   Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack about 30 minutes.

6. Step 6
   Heat remaining pie filling and pass with bread pudding. Serve with ice cream, if desired.