"DREAD" PUDDING WITH CHERRY "BLOOD" SAUCE

Steps:

• For the "dread" pudding: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter ten 6-ounce ramekins with the butter.
• Spread the sweet roll cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until golden and lightly toasted, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool. Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• Whisk together the cream, almond milk, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt and eggs and yolks in a large bowl. Transfer the toasted roll cubes to the mixture, toss to coat and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
• Fold the chocolate chips and cherries into the cream and bread mixture and evenly divide among the buttered ramekins. Bake until the tops are crispy and the custard has set, 30 to 40 minutes.
• For the cherry "blood" sauce: Meanwhile, combine the cherries, brandy, honey and salt in a blender and blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium saucepan and add the butter. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by about half, about 30 minutes.
• For the shortbread "tombstones:" On a baking sheet lined with parchment, lay the shortbread cookies smooth-side up. Add the white chocolate chips to a small glass or microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-second intervals until melted.
• Pick out icing letters to spell RIP or various names or initials. Using a toothpick, spread the melted white chocolate onto the back of the icing letters and glue them to the shortbread cookies to resemble tombstones. Spray each tombstone with the black food coloring mist spray and let dry for a few minutes. Spray each with the pearl food coloring mist spray and let dry for a few minutes.
• Serve the "dread" puddings with cherry "blood" sauce and garnish with the shortbread tombstones and mint sprigs.