4 cups one-inch French Bread cubes (6-7 slices), crust removed
½ cups coarsely chopped pecans
1½ cups milk
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 eggs
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
whipped cream
Place the bread cubes and nuts in a buttered 1 ½ cup casserole. Heat milk and chocolate in small saucepan until chocolate is melted. Beat with hand mixer until chocolate is completely dissolved. Meanwhile beat eggs and sugar until well blended. Stir in the chocolate mixture and vanilla. Pour over bread and nuts. Let stand, covered at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bake uncovered, 30-35 minutes, or until knife inserted near center come out clean. Cool at least 1 hour. Serve topped with whipped cream.
Makes 6-8 servings
