The Seasonal Gourmet

When cooking for a crowd around the holidays, it’s helpful to have a few recipes that can be prepared in advance so you can enjoy the festivities with your guests.  This is the perfect dish for Christmas morning or New Year’s Day but it can be made any time you want something fuss-free and delicious for breakfast.  All the prep work is done the night before so all you have to do is bake it and serve in the morning.

This recipe was developed by me and my sister-in-law Jenn this year so we could minimize kitchen time on Christmas morning.  It works best with bread that is slightly stale.  Use a whole loaf (instead of pre-sliced bread) so you can slice it thickly yourself.

Baked French Toast

Makes about 12 thick slices

• 1 whole loaf unsliced challah or other white bread
• 1 can (370 ml / 12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk (equals 1-1/2 cups)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (finely grated orange peel)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• pinch of salt
• Butter, to grease baking pan

1. Grease a large baking pan (at least 12″ X 16″).  Slice bread into slices about 1″ thick and lay flat in pan. Make sure all pieces are laying flat and not overlapping or they won’t brown properly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine evaporated milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, orange zest, nutmeg and salt.  Whisk until smooth and thoroughly mixed.
3. Pour mixture evenly over bread slices.  Once it has soaked in a bit, turn slices over so they are completely soaked in egg mixture. 
4. Cover pan and place in the fridge overnight.
5. To bake: heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.  Bake french toast for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bread is browned on top and beginning to puff.
6. Serve with maple syrup or your favourite topping.

Bon Appétit and Enjoy!