Custard Bread Pudding

Directions

1. Set oven for 325f.
2. Pour milk over bread cubes.
3. Add salt and sugar.
4. Beat eggs; add to bread mixture with butter and vanilla: mix well.
5. Pour into a 1 1/2-quart greased casserole.
6. Set casserole in a pan.
7. Pour in hot water to within 1 inch of top.
8. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted near rim comes out clean.
9. Surprise pudding variation: use plain whole-wheat or raisin wholewheat bread instead of white bread in making custard bread pudding.
10. Chocolate bread puddings variation: add 2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted, to bread and milk mixture in custard bread pudding, and use 3/4 cup of sugar instead of 1/2.