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Chocolate-Bread Parfaits
© Antonis Achilleos

Chocolate-Bread Parfaits

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • •FAST
  • •VEGETARIAN

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  1. 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  2. 1/2 cup hot brewed espresso or very strong coffee
  3. 2 tablespoons sugar
  4. 2 tablespoons dark rum
  5. 1/2 pound white Pullman bread—crust removed, bread cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
  6. 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  7. 1 cup sliced almonds (4 ounces)
  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. Stir this mixture into the melted chocolate and fold 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.