INGREDIENTS
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2/3 cup kirsch or orange juice
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1 1/2 cups dried tart cherries or dried plums (prunes), snipped (about 8 oz.)
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1 16 ounceloaf country Italian bread or baguette, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 11 cups)
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
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6 eggs, slightly beaten
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3 cups milk
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2 cups half-and-half or light cream
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1 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla