Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 loaves French bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmet

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, stir together brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Heat and stir until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves. Pour into a rectangular 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with half the pecans.
2. Arrange half the bread slices in a single layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining pecans, and top with the remaining bread slices.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour slowly over bread. Press lightly with the back of a large spoon to moisten all bread.
4. Stir together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle over bread. Cover and chill in refrigerator overnight.
5. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand ten minutes.
6. To serve, remove individual servings with a wide spatula and invert onto decorative Christmas plates.

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 2 slices bread
• confectioners' sugar or warm syrup
• strawberries and pecans (optional)
• fresh whipping cream (optional)
• crushed candy canes (optional)

Instructions

1. Beat together egg, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and salt.
2. Heat a lightly oiled (or use cooking spray) skilled or griddle over medium (not high!) heat.
3. Soak bread slices in egg mixture for 20 seconds on each side until thoroughly coated.
4. Cook bread slices until both sides are lightly browned and slightly crisp.
5. Serve hot, sprinkled with confectioners' sugar or smothered in warm syrup.
6. Optional - garnish with strawberries, other berries, pecans, or crushed candy canes.