APPLESAUCE BREAD PUDDING

3 beaten eggs
2 cups milk
1 (16 ounce) can applesauce
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
9 slices day-old white bread, cubed (about 7 cups)
whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Line a 2-pound coffee can with foil and lightly grease.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, applesauce, sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently stir in bread cubes.

Turn into prepared coffee can; cover tightly with foil. Place can in a crockery cooker. Add 1/2 cup warm water to cooker.

Cover; cook on high-heat setting for 3 hours.

Remove can from cooker; spoon pudding into serving dishes. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 8 servings
Source: Better Homes and Gardens Crockery Cooker Cook Book