Southern Comfort Bed and Breakfast

Crème Brulee French Toast: Breakfast-Brunch

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 

  1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

• 

  1 cup packed brown sugar

• 

  2 tablespoons corn syrup

• 

  an 8- to 9-inch round loaf country-style bread

• 

  5 large eggs

• 

  1 ½ cups half and half

• 

  1-teaspoon vanilla

• 

  1-teaspoon Grand Marnier

• 

  ¼ teaspoon salt

Step 1:

In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13-by 9- by 2 inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.

Step 2:

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

Step 3:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. and bring bread to room temperature.

Step 4:

Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.