Baked French Toast, New Orleans Style

Sue Lau's Note:

Has a nice fruity sauce to go with. Prep time does not include putting in refrigerator overnight.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 12 slices French bread (1-inch)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1⁄8; teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Pear Topping

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 ripe pears , thinly sliced,cored
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1⁄3; cup honey

Directions:

1. Spray a 12 x 8 inch casserole or baking dish with nonstick spray or lightly grease with butter.
2. Arrange slices of bread across bottom of dish, completely covering bottom (squeeze in more if the bottom shows).
3. In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, half and half, sugar and nutmeg; beat well.
4. Pour evenly over the bread, then cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
5. Before baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
6. Uncover, and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, prepare sauce, by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Add the pears, and cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
9. In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch, blending well; add honey and cornstarch to the pears and cook 2 minutes, stirring, or until mixture thickens and is bubbly.
10. Serve sauce over French toast.