4 tbsp. butter, softened
12 slices firm bread
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 c. milk
1/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
4 eggs

Grease 8 x 8 baking dish. Spread butter on bread slices. Arrange 4 slices of bread in dish in one layer, overlapping slightly if necessary; sprinkle lightly with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Repeat, making two more layers. In medium bowl with fork, beat milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs until well mixed. Pour egg mixture over bread slices. Bake in 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes until knife inserted in center of pudding comes out clean. Serve pudding warm or refrigerate to serve cold later.

Makes 8 servings.