Recipe of the Week: Baked French Toast Casserole

(image credit: food network)

I figured that since most kids started back to school that this recipe would be the prefect surprise for them to wake up to this weekend. It's so yum! We usually make it Christmas Eve and bake it Christmas morning, but it's a real treat and very easy to make.

I mean, look at that... doesn't it just make you want to lick your computer monitor!?

This is one of my favorite Southern gal's recipe, so thanks to Ms. Paula Deen for this addiction!
It's sweet enough on it's own that you won't even need the maple syrup. You can substitute a healthier bread option, but the day old French bread is delish! Top it with some berries if it'll make you feel better. ;)

Ingredients:

* 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

Directions:

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). 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 degrees F.

Spread Praline Topping (see below) evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping:

* 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
* 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

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.

P.S. If you ever need a brunch dish, this is it!!

Enjoy! :)