1 (1 pound) loaf challah or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Heat oven to 350° F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
In a 6-quart saucepan, combine milk and half-and-half. Bring to a simmer over
medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Add sugar and chocolate; stir until
melted. Bring mixture to a boil, cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in
whiskey.
Beat egg yolks in a small bowl and slowly whisk in 1/4 cup of milk mixture.
Whisk egg mixture and remaining milk mixture until well combined and thickened.
Stir in butter, vanilla and salt. Fold in bread; spoon pudding into dish. Let
soak 1 hour at room temperature. Bake until knife inserted in the center comes
out clean, about 50 minutes.
To serve, spoon into bowls; garnish with shaved chocolate and sprinkle with
powdered sugar, if desired.
