DOUGHNUT AND BACON EGGNOG BREAD PUDDING

Doughnut and Bacon Eggnog Bread Pudding image

Provided by Geoffry Le Cher

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 15

TOOLS OF THE TRADE
8 x 8 cake pan
parchment paper
FOR THE DISH
10 glazed, yeast dough nuts (Krispy Kreme would work well), cut into eighths
12 slices, thick cut bacon, cut into strips and fried crisp
1 1/2 c eggnog
6 eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
pinch of salt
FOR THE DRIZZLE
4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 tsp cinnamon, fresh ground
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c toasted pecans

Steps:

1. Cut parchment paper and place in 8 x 8 pan, so that the pan's entire surface is covered. (If you forget this step you will be very, very sad... so don't forget it! Trust me, you will thank me later.) Note that a little nonstick spray will help hold the paper to the pan.
2. Mix together eggs, nutmeg, eggnog and salt and whisk until well mixed and it develops a good froth... 2 minutes.
3. Place doughnut pieces in prepared cake pan and sprinkle bacon bits among the doughnut pieces. Pour egg/eggnog mixture over doughnut & bacon pieces. Gently press down to make sure doughnuts remain submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and set in refrigerator for 3 hours... or better yet, overnight!
4. Preheat oven to 350 F.
5. Combine cream cheese, cinnamon and vanilla in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside. DO NOT refrigerate!
6. Once the oven is at temperature, remove pudding from refrigerator, remove plastic wrap and bake for 30-35 minutes.
7. Once done, place on cooling rack for 10 minutes and then remove from pan (see, I told you that you would thank me for the parchment paper) and place on a cake platter.
8. Drizzle or 'frost' pudding with cream cheese topping, scatter pecans on top, slice and serve.