Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed (I use skim milk to cut calories/fat and it comes out ok)
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted in microwave
  • 1 ½ cups sugar (I've used a sugar substitute to lower calories)
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 -2 loaves challah bread, cut into thick slices
  • chocolate chips (as many as you like)
  • raisins (as many as you like)

Directions

  1. Use a large pan like 9x13 with some depth so you can get layers.
  2. Preheat oven to 325F.
  3. Combine warmed milk with the sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until incorporated and smooth.
  4. Line a large baking dish with half of the challah slices. Sprinkle with half the chocolate chips and half the raisins. Top with remaining challah slices, layering them one on top of the other, and then remaining chocolate chips and raisins. Make sure the chips and raisins get inside the layers created by the challah slices.
  5. Pour milk mixture slowly over everything and let stand until the challah has absorbed almost all the liquid (about 10 minutes).
  6. Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and cook 10 -15 minutes longer until it’s set in the middle and lightly browned on top.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.