Double Cranberry-Chocolate Bread Pudding

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 2-quart rectangular or square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, toss together dried bread and vegetable spread until coated. Add 3/4 cup of the fresh cranberries, the chocolate, pecans (if using) and dried cranberries. Gently toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs and 4 tablespoons of the sugar. Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over bread mixture in baking dish. Using the back of a large spoon, gently press down on top of bread mixture.

Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. If needed to prevent overbrowning, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. Let stand on a wire rack for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, for sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and the cornstarch. Add pomegranate juice. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Serve warm sauce over warm bread pudding.