From Tasting the Wine Country

This delicious dish is a great way to start the weekend.

Baked Caramel French Toast with Fresh Fruit

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 cups sliced fresh fruit, such as strawberries, peaches, blueberries, pears, and/or apples
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices day-old French bread or whole-wheat bread
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and a syrup forms, about 3 minutes.
2. Pour the syrup into a large baking dish and tilt to coat the bottom. Arrange the sliced fruit evenly on top.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with milk and vanilla until blended. Add the bread slices to the egg mixture and let stand, turning once, until throughly soaked. Arrange the bread in one layer over the fruit.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Arrange the French toast on plates and top with some of the fruit and caramel syrup. If you like, dust with powdered sugar and serve at once.

Makes 4 servings

From Tasting the Wine Country by Sharon O'Connor