1 c. stale bread crumbs or pieces
1 1/2 (1 oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate
1 c. sugar
2 c. milk
2 tbsp. butter
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 egg whites (optional)
2 tbsp. sugar (optional)

Add bread crumbs, chocolate and sugar to 1 1/2 cup milk. Cook in double boiler until relatively smooth. Stir in butter. Beat eggs until light colored; add salt, vanilla and 1/2 cup milk. Stir into chocolate mixture and cook until thick. Pour into buttered 1 1/2 quart baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form; spoon this meringue on top, if desired. Brown in oven for 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Serves 4.