Holiday Morning French Toast

Even though it's not quite the holidays, there are foods that I just want to start making now. This was one of the recipes I wanted to try. It is from the Gooseberry Patch Christmas in the Country cookbook.

Holiday Morning French Toast

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon cinnamon, divided
3-4 granny smith apples, cored, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup raisins
1 loaf French of Italian bread, sliced 1-inch thick
8 to 9 eggs
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Combine the brown sugar, butter, and one teaspoon cinnamon in a lightly greased deep 9 x 13 baking pan. Add the apples and raisins (I omitted the raisins); toss to coat well and spread the apple mixture in the bottom of the pan. Arrange slices of bread on top (I used good 'ole Texas Toast); set aside. Blend together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and the rest of the cinnamon until well mixed. Pour mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is covered. Cover and refrigerate 4-24 hours (I made before bedtime and left in refrigerator overnight.). Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

It was really good on a cold morning like this morning. After slicing and putting on a serving plate, I drizzled with warm maple syrup. Enjoy!!