Chocolate Bread Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. 2
   Butter a 9 1/2 inch oval baking dish (5 1/2 to 6 cups).
3. 3
   Cut crusts off bread.
4. 4
   Cut bread into 1/2 to 3/4 inch cubes to make 5 cups.
5. 5
   In medium bowl, beat eggs, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until blended.
6. 6
   Beat in butter and salt.
7. 7
   Gradually stir in milk.
8. 8
   Add bread, stirring to break up the cubes.
9. 9
   Allow bread to absorb custard for 5 minutes.
10. 10
    Pour into a dish.
11. 11
    Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
12. 12
    In small bowl, beat heavy cream, icing sugar and remaining 1/2 t vanilla extract until stiff.
13. 13
    Serve over bread pudding.