Ingredients
6 croissants8 eggs3 cups milk2 cups sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 teaspoon almond extract1/4 cup almond paste, cut into small cubes1/2 cup chopped almondsSTRAWBERRY CARAMEL SAUCE:2 cups sugar2 cups heavy whipping cream1/2 cup frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
Preparation
Cut croissants into 1/2-in. pieces; place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar and extracts. Pour over croissants; let stand for 10 minutes. Dot with almond paste; sprinkle with almonds (dish will be full).
Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir sugar with a wooden spoon until sugar has melted and turned a deep amber color, about 20 minutes.
Add 1 cup cream (mixture will bubble). Stir in remaining cream; cook 10-15 minutes longer or until caramelized sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in strawberries. Serve with bread pudding.
