This baked french toast is sinfully good.  I like to serve this dish with fresh fruit so it momentarily tricks me into thinking I am eating something healthy.  This is definitely worth splurging on. For this recipe you will need

• 1 loaf  sourdough or French bread
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup half & half
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon Victoria Taylor’s Pie Spices

Topping:

• 1 stick of butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Victoria Taylor’s Pie Spices

Tear bread into pieces or cut into cubes, 1-inch each.  Arrange pieces in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla and Pie Spices then whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread, making sure all pieces are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients for the topping in a bowl.  Spread topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Drizzle with maple syrup. Best,             Victoria