Torta Paesana, Italian Chocolate Bread Pudding | Print |
Written by Larry Aiello   

Torta Paesana (Italian Chocolate Bread Pudding)
8 servings or 1 cake

You will need:

13 ounces white bread (french or italian simple bread, better if one day old)  
7 ounces amaretto cookies or other dry cookies like bitter almonds macaroons
4 cups milk  
2 eggs  
3 1/2 ounces bittersweet cocoa powder  
1/4 cup amaretto, di saronno originale (optional only if you use other cookies)  
3 1/2 ounces white sugar  
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature  
1/4 cup raisins  
1/4 cup chopped nuts (or almonds)  
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon, zest of

To prepare La Torta Paesana

Soak cookies and bread in the milk overnight, this will really help absorb the flavors.  The day after blend the soaked mixture in an electric mixer.

Pour mixture in a medium bowl, fold in eggs and then the rest of the
ingredients until well blended.

Grease a 9 inches round pan and coat greased bottom and sides with some
flour or breadcrumbs.

Pour mixture in prepared pan and bake in preheated oven (175°C - 350°F)
for about 45 minutes.

This is best when served cold.  Enjoy!