Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding

heavy cream*

and 1/2 cups (600ml) whole milk*

bars semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped*

large eggs

granulated sugar

pure vanilla extract

salt

loaf day-old challah bread, cut into 1 inch cubes*

semi-sweet chocolate chips or 4 extra ounces chopped chocolate

optional add-ins: 1 cup of chopped pecans, dried cranberries/cherries, peanut butter chips, etc

optional toppings: salted caramel, fresh berries, homemade whipped cream