Chocolate Bread Pudding

I've been making this recipe forever.  I think I got it originally from a Eagle Brand Chocolate Sweetened Condensed Milk can.  Unfortunately, they don't make chocolate sweetened condensed milk anymore.  This is the recipe that was on Eagle Brand's website quite a few years ago.  It has been a hit every time I make it for parties or family gatherings.  It's also a delicious way to use up old bread.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Bread Pudding

4 c. French bread cubed
½ c. chopped nuts
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2- 1 ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate melted
1 ½ c. water
2 tbs. butter melted
Whipped cream

Preheat to 350.  Butter a 9-inch square-baking dish. Place bread cubes in baking dish and sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over bread. Blend melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Set aside. In bowl beat eggs and vanilla.  Add, water, butter and chocolate milk mixture. Mix well.  Poor evenly over bread, moistening completely.  Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until knife is inserted and comes out clean.  Serve warm with whipped cream.
Makes 6-9 servings