Shelly's Recipe

HOLIDAY FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

Category: French Toast

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (or 1 can of sliced apples)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2-1 loaf of French bread or any other sweet bread-Brioche
6 large eggs
1-1/2 cup milk
1tbsp vanilla and peppermint extracts

Combine brown sugar, butter, and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a 13x9 inch baking pan. Add apples and cranberries. Toss until fruit is well–coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over a baking dish. Arrange slices of bread on top of the fruit/sugar mixture. Mix the eggs, milk, vanilla, and remaining 2 tsp cinnamon and pour over the bread, making sure it's completely soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, up to 24 hours.

Bake, covered, at 375 for approx 40 to 50 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5 minutes to lightly brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.