Grandma's Chocolate Raspberry Strata (Recipe)

This dessert strata is a kind of bread pudding.  Designed to be cooked on the high heat setting.  It's ready to enjoy in two hours.

Ingredients

6 cups (1 inch) cubes Hawaiian bread, Challah, or brioche

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 pint container (about 6 ounces) fresh raspberries (do not substitute frozen), rinsed and drained

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup milk

4 eggs

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream

Ingredients

1.  Place half of the bread cubes in a well-buttered 3 1/2 quart electric slow cooker.  Sprinkle on half of the chocolate chips and raspberries.  Cover with the remaining bread cubes, then top with the remaining chocolate chips and raspberries.

2.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until well blended.  Pour evenly over the bread mixture in the cooker.

3.  Cover and cook on the high heat setting about 1 3/4 to 2 hours, or until set.  (Do not cook on the low heat setting for a longer time.)  Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.  Serve garnished with whipped cream.