Chocolate-Bread Parfaits

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TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN SERVINGS: 6

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup hot brewed espresso or very strong coffee
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum
  • 1/2 pound white Pullman bread—crust removed, bread cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup sliced almonds (4 ounces)

Preparation

Step 1

1.Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
2.Meanwhile, in a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring frequently, until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
3.In a small bowl, mix the espresso with the sugar until dissolved. Whisk in the rum and stir in the bread cubes; let stand for 5 minutes.
4.Meanwhile, in a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
5.Spoon half of the soaked bread cubes and any excess chocolate into 6 parfait glasses. Top with half of the whipped cream and half of the almonds. Repeat with the remaining bread and chocolate, whipped cream and almonds. Serve at once.

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