apple pecan bread pudding with homemade caramel sauce

APPLE PECAN BREAD PUDDING
CUBE OR TEAR A LOAF OF FRENCH BREAD INTO A WELL GREASED 9X13 PAN
TOP WITH 3 APPLES CORED, PEELED AND CHOPPED - I USE GRANNY SMITH, THE TARTNESS SETS OFF THE SWEETNESS OF EVERYTHING ELSE
SPRINKLE WITH CHOPPED PECANS (ABOUT 3 OZ)
IN BOWL, BEAT 3 EGGS.  ADD 1 CAN SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK, 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR, 1/4 CUP BUTTER MELTED, 1 TSP CINNAMON, 1 TSP VANILLA, AND 1 3/4 CUP HOT WATER.  MIX WELL
 POUR OVER BREAD MIXTURE AND LET SET 15 MINUTES
BAKE AT 350 FOR 45 MIN - 1 HOUR OR UNTIL KNIFE INSERTED COMES OUT CLEAN.
TOP WITH HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE - SERVE WARM.