Baked French Toast with Maple Syrup

ingredients

 

step-by-step directions

BAKED FRENCH TOAST WITH MAPLE SYRUP

• 1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• dash salt
• praline topping, recipe follows
• maple syrup

PRALINE TOPPING

• 1/2 pound butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
• The next day, preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.
• Praline Topping:
• Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well.
  
  Tips
  - Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs.
  - Serve with a thick slab of bacon!