Baked Fruited French Toast

Winner in the Better than Butter contest held by Colavite. Great Sunday breakfast!

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb  loaf  Italian bread, unsliced
• 1⁄3 cup  colavita olive oil
• 2⁄3 cup brown sugar
• 2  granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1  ripe pear, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1⁄2 cup dried cherries or 1⁄2 cup cranberries
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4  eggs, beaten
• 1  cup milk, more if necessary
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  almond extract
• 2  tablespoons Amaretto
•  chopped fine  toasted almond

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350ºF degrees.
2. Slice bread in 1-inch slices (should have 10-12 slices);set aside.
3. Put olive oil in 13x9 inch baking dish; cover with brown sugar.
4. Arrange apples, pears and dried cherries over brown sugar.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon & nuts; set aside.
6. In a large bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, almond extract & Amaretto. (If you choose you can add a litttle more)
7. Dip bread slices in egg mixture and place on top of fruit.
8. Pour any extra egg mixture over bread.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bread is lightly golden.
10. Serve fruited side up with warm maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.