Shelly's Recipe

FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

Category: French Toast

2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp dark corn syrup
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups milk
6 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp grated orange rind
2 large eggs
6 (1 ½ inch thick) slices French bread
6 tbsp frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
1 to 2 tsp Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur)
2 tbsp finely chopped pecans, toasted

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook 5 minutes or until bubbly and sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Pour sugar mixture into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread mixture evenly over bottom of pan. Set aside; cool completely.

Combine milk and next 5 ingredients (through eggs) in a large shallow bowl; stir with a whisk. Dip 1 bread slice in milk mixture; arrange bread slice over sugar mixture in dish. Repeat procedure with remaining 5 bread slices. Pour any remaining egg mixture over bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. While casserole bakes, combine whipped topping and Grand Marnier. Place 1 bread slice, caramel side up, on each of 6 plates; top each serving with 1 tbsp topping and 1 tsp pecans. Serves 6