Crockpot Pina Colada Bread Pudding

Directions

With a sharp knife, peel crust from bread; discard crust or make into bread crumbs for use in another recipe. Cut bread into 1 inch cubes; set aside.

In blender or food processor, fitted with a metal blade, combine ½ of the following ingredients; drink mix, pineapple juice, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, and banana slices. Process until pureed; pour purée into a 6 cup bowl. Purée remaining ½ of liquid ingredients and banana slices as well as eggs and liqueur, if desired. Combine both purees; set aside. Combine raisins and crushed pineapple (and the juice); set aside. Place about ⅔ of bread cubes in slow cooker, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel and spread 1 cup of the raisin-pineapple mixture over bread in slow cooker. Top with remaining bread cubes, then with remaining ½ teaspoon lemon peel and raisin-pineapple mixture. Pour puréed ingredients into slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low 6 hours. Spread pudding into 8 or 10 dessert dishes and serve hot. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.