Nutty Cherry Bread Pudding

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried cherries
2 tablespoons Chateau Grand Traverse Spiced Cherry Wine
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup water
1 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup butter
3 cups white bread cubes
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
Cherry Syrup

Directions

Heat cherries in wine until medium warm and let soak for 20 minutes.  Heat evaporated milk, water, 2% milk and butter in sauce pan until butter is melted.

In a large bowl, combine the next six ingredients and the undrained cherries.  Add milk mixture and stir gently.

Spoon into a greased one-quart baking dish.  Place dish in pan of hot water.  Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 55 minutes or until knife inserted one inch from edge comes out clean.

Serve warm with cherry syrup drizzled on each serving.  Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of almonds or toasted pecans, if desired.

Serves 6