Praline French Toast

Praline French Toast
8 eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
10-12 slices French bread, about 1 inch thick

Topping:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, optional
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup maple syrup
2 cups chopped pecans

Generously spray or butter a 13×9 inch casserole dish.

Mix the eggs, half and half, maple syrup and sugar in a large bowl. Place the bread slices in the prepared casserole dish and cover with the egg mixture.  Cover with plastic wrap and let soak overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Make the topping by melting the butter in a sauce pan.  Add the sugar and maple syrup and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the pecans. (If not using butter, just mix other topping ingredients.). Spread mixture over bread and bake for 45-55 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Gina Tiedemann