1 (1 oz.) square chocolate
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon butter
6 tablespoons sugar
4 slices stale bread
1 egg or 2 egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped nut meats
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add chocolate to milk and scald in double boiler. Add butter and sugar, and whip with egg beater until smooth. Remove crusts from bread, break into small pieces or grate, and measure by gently pressing in cup until full. Add bread to scalded milk. Allow to cool, add 1 egg or 2 egg yolks slightly beaten, salt, chopped nut meats, and vanilla extract. Place in greased baking dish, and bake in moderate oven (325°F.) for 1 hour.

Serve with Vanilla Pudding Sauce, or Whipped Cream (both below).

VANILLA PUDDING SAUCE:

1 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
Few grains salt
2 tablespoons butter
Few nutmeg gratings
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Scald milk in double boiler. Mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add scalded milk, return to double boiler, and allow to simmer for 10 minutes or more. Add butter, nutmeg gratings, and vanilla extract. Water may be used in place of milk, and sauce cooked directly over low heat. Serve with hot puddings.

WHIPPED CREAM:

1/2 cup 40% cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pour cream into a straight-sided bowl, and beat until light. Add sugar gradually, and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff, if light fluffy cream is preferred, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of milk may be added slowly while whipping.

Submitted by: Stephanie Lawson