Praline French Toast

Rich? Yes.  Decadent? Yes.  Are you going to try this soon? Yes!

1 dozen eggs
2 3/4 cups half and half
Cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling
1/2 cup white sugar
1 3/4 cups maple syrup, separated
1 3/4 cups brown sugar, separated
1 whole loaf of Texas Toast bread  
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 t. vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Butter a large lasagna pan/casserole dish. Place a layer of bread into the dish.  You may need to cut some of the slices of bread to make them fit into the pan to completely cover the bottom. 

Sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg on top of bread. Add another layer of bread.

In a large bowl, mix eggs, half and half, ¾ cup maple syrup, and ¾ cup brown sugar.  Slowly pour over bread.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 1 cup maple syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, butter, and nuts in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until butter and sugar are melted. Stir to combine everything and add vanilla. 

Pour mixture over the bread. Bake for about an hour. Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with additional syrup if desired.