The Column of Life

French Toast Casserole Bonnie Stern Friday Night Dinners (2008) 7 large eggs 2 1/2 cups milk 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla paste 1 unsliced challah or egg bread (about 1 1/4 pounds), crusts removed, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons maple syrup 350° oven Ice cream, mixed fresh berries or double smoked bacon, for garnish 1. In a large bowl, combine the eggs with the milk and vanilla. Add the bread cubes and combine well. 2. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 3. Place the bread mixture in a buttered 9x13 baking dish. 4. Combine the melted butter with the brown sugar and maple syrup. 5. Drizzle this mixture all over top of bread. 6. Bake on a baking sheet to catch any spills until puffed and browned, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving.