INGREDIENTS:

8-ounce package cream cheese , softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk, half-and-half, or light cream
3 cups dry bread cubes
2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

In a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese, the 2/3 cup sugar, lemon peel, vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon 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. Pour mixture into an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish, stirring gently to distribute chocolate.

In a small bowl combine remaining sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over pear mixture. Place dish in a 13×9x2-inch baking pan; set on oven rack. Pour hot water into the 13×9x2-inch baking pan to a depth of 1 inch. Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 45 minutes or until knife inserted in custard near the center of dish comes out clean. Serve warm or cool.

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