Chocolate And Pear Bread Pudding - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk (half and half or light cream)
3 c. dry bread cubes
4 medium pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 c. miniature semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese, the 2/3 cup sugar, lemon peel, vanilla and the 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and cinnamon with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition.
With a large spoon, stir in milk or cream, bread, pears and chocolate.