INGREDIENTS
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Unsalted butter, room temperature, for baking dish
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3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
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7 ounces brioche, cut into eight 1/2-inch slices, halved diagonally
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1 1/2 pounds firm but ripe pears, such as Anjou or Bartlett (about 3), cored and very thinly sliced
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3 large eggs, plus 3 large egg yolks
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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1 1/4 cups heavy cream
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1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon fine salt
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1 tablespoon sanding or other coarse sugar