Mom’s Hazelnut & Chocolate Bread Pudding

Directions

1. Microwave butter and chocolate chips until melted, 30-45 seconds; stir until smooth. Cool. In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray, combine bread cubes and hazelnuts. In a large bowl, combine next 7 ingredients, mixing well. Add chocolate mixture to bowl; whisk until smooth.
2. Pour egg mixture over bread and hazelnuts, gently pressing bread cubes to help them absorb liquid. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm, dolloped with whipped cream if desired.