Sugar-Crusted Chocolate Chip And Cherry Bread Puddings

• 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature, divided
• 3 slices white sandwich bread (about 5 1/4x4 1/4 inches each)
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon kirsch (clear cherry brandy)

1. Preheat oven to 375u0b0F. Spread 2 tablespoons butter over bread slices. Cut bread into 1-inch pieces. Whisk half and half, eggs, vanilla, and 1/3 cup sugar in large bowl to blend. Add bread cubes, chocolate chips, and dried cherries; toss to coat. Divide mixture among six 2/3-cup custard cups. Dot tops with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Bake 10 minutes. Sprinkle puddings with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until tops are browned, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk cream, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, and kirsch in medium bowl just until slightly thickened. Serve puddings warm with kirsch cream.

butter, white sandwich bread, eggs, vanilla, sugar, chocolate chips, cherries, chilled whipping cream

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/sugar-crusted-chocolate-chip-and-cherry-bread-puddings-232710 (may not work)