White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Hard Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat and stir milk, half of the white chocolate and vanilla bean (if using) over low heat until just simmering and chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Remove vanilla bean. Using a sharp paring knife, split vanilla bean lengthwise. Using the knife tip, scrape out seeds. Stir seeds (or 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla, if using) into the milk mixture.

In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sugar and cinnamon until just combined. Gradually add milk mixture to egg mixture, stirring constantly.

In an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish, toss together bread cubes, remaining white chocolate, and dried cherries. Pour milk mixture evenly over bread mixture. Press mixture lightly with back of a large spoon. Cover baking dish with foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Place baking dish in another larger pan. Pour hot water into large dish to reach 1 inch up side of dish. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven about 60 minutes or until top appears evenly set. Cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with Hard Sauce. Makes 12 servings.