Leftovers 411 – Baked French Toast Casserole

Today we have what can only be called a breakfast win/win.  This is a way to use up old bread that is getting stale and  make a delicious breakfast at the same time. The extra “win” with this dish is that you can assemble it all the night before and pop it in the oven to bake while you’re getting ready for the day.  If you make this for a weekday breakfast, your family will be thrilled to start their day with a hot yummy meal.  If you make it on the weekend, you can all have a leisurely and delicious meal to enjoy.

And don’t forget that you can surprise everyone and make breakfast for dinner.  Just add some crispy strips of bacon or some sausage links and there you have it….dinner is served!

Surprising your family or friends with a yummy hot breakfast can only add to your love, joy and abundant living 🙂

Baked French Toast Casserole

About ¾ loaf of good bread cut into cubes – (we used part of a loaf of our Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Bread but sourdough would be good or left over bagels or even dinner rolls)
4 eggs
2 cups ½ and ½
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 Tablespoons butter
grated rind of 1 orange (optional)
Good quality maple syrup

Cut bread into cubes.

Using a wire whisk, mix together ½ and ½ , eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, vanilla, and orange peel.

Pour over cubed bread and toss well.  Pour bread into a buttered casserole dish.

Dot with butter.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.  When you are ready to bake, remove plastic wrap and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread is puffed and golden brown.  Spoon unto plates and serve with butter and warmed real maple syrup.  YUMMY!!!!