Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding (adapted from epicurious.com)

The way I see it, a proper bread pudding is the dessert equivalent of a warm blanket and snuggly movie marathon on a rainy day.  That is to say it is classic comfort food.  The trick is to make sure the bread comes out moist!  Don't be sparing with the custard ingredients.  If in doubt, it is better to make extra.  In this particular recipe, the vanilla ice cream acts as the sauce so you don't have to make any additional.  Although, if you like the traditional rum sauce with your bread pudding and you have the time to spare, check out this recipe for rum caramel sauce and just omit the cinnamon. Have fun!

What to Gather:

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
3 bananas, peeled, halved crosswise and then lengthwise
1-2 cups chocolate chips
5 tablespoons sugar
2 cups whipping cream (can be substituted with half and half)
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8-10 oz challah bread or brioche, each slice cut into 1x1x4" strips
1/4 cup rum (optional)

What to Do:

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add bananas and 2 tablespoons sugar and cook until bananas are tender, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat. 

Combine whipping cream, eggs, vanilla extract and 1/4 cup rum (optional) and 3 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl and whisk to blend. 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9X9-inch loaf pan. Arrange 1/3 of bread strips crosswise in bottom of prepared pan. Arrange 6 banana pieces atop bread. Sprinkle with half of chocolate chips. Arrange 1/3 of bread strips crosswise atop bananas. Pour half of egg mixture over. Arrange remaining banana pieces atop bread. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Arrange remaining bread strips crosswise atop bananas. Pour remaining egg mixture over. Press gently on top layer to compact. Let stand 15 minutes before baking. 

Bake bread pudding until puffed and golden and knife inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool slightly. 

Cut bread pudding into squares. Top with vanilla ice cream, garnish with edible flowers, cocoa powder or a mint leaf.  Serve warm and Enjoy!