Chocolate Bread Pudding - Great Grandma Velma Stringham

This is a family favorite that originates from Grandma Velma Stringham.  She is Grandpa Arnold's mother.  Although most of the family eats this as a dessert, the Bush family loves to eat this warm in the morning for breakfast!

4 c. dried bread cubes - about 7 slices of bread                                               

3 Tbsp. cocoa

1 cup sugar                                                                 

6 cups milk                                                                                 

4 eggs beaten slightly 

½ tsp. salt                                           

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Scald milk.  Beat eggs slightly.  Add sugar mixed with cocoa to egg mixture.  Add milk slowly to not cook egg mixture. Add all other ingredients.  Pour into buttered baking dish.  Bake 350 for 1 hour. Do not over cook or it will be watery.  Serve with half and half cream.  Enjoy!