PECAN FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE WITH WHISKEY MAPLE SYRUP

I got the inspiration for this recipe from my brother-in-law, who made a delicious whiskey french toast casserole. Previously, I always made french toast slice by slice in a saute pan. This recipe makes a large quantity, so it's great for a crowd or as reheated leftovers. The preparation just takes a few minutes to mix together and is refrigerated overnight and popped in the oven in the morning.

I modified the original recipe for a healthier version and used whole milk in place of half-and-half and reduced the amount of eggs. I also used Challah bread versus french bread. Baking the french toast uncovered produces a slightly crispy top and soaking the bread overnight, creates a soft interior. Topped with the syrup and toasted pecans, it's the perfect textural combination.

Pecan French Toast Casserole with Whiskey Maple Syrup

Serves 6-8

1 loaf Challah or Brioche bread (13 to 16 ounces)
7 large eggs
2-1/2 cups whole milk
2 T brown sugar
1 t vanilla extract
1 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground nutmeg
1/2 t salt

Syrup
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup whiskey
4T unsalted butter

Slice bread into 1 inch thick slices. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a whisk until blended. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. The bread will soak up most of the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes.

For the syrup
In a saucepan (that you will use to make the syrup), lightly toast the pecans over medium heat, 7-8 minutes or until fragrant. Sprinkle pecans over baked french toast. In the same saucepan, combine maple syrup, whiskey and butter. Bring to a boil and let simmer about 5-7 minutes, (careful not to reduce the syrup too much). Pour over baked french toast.