Chocolate Bread Pudding

INGREDIENTS:

2 squares unsweetened chocolate
3 cups cold milk
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups bread cubes

Cut up the chocolate into the milk in a double boiler and heat, whisking often. When melted, whisk vigorously to blend. Combine the eggs, sugar and salt. Slowly add the chocolate mixture, whisking vigorously. Stir in the vanilla and then the bread. Spray a casserole dish wish Pam and pour the mixture into it. Let stand for about 1/2 hour to allow bread to soften. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place casserole dish in a shallow pan that has about an inch of hot water in it. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or ice cream. Store in the refrigerator.

By Lisa Waldorf