Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Serves 4-6.

So you've got company in town for the holiday and you feel like you should prepare an actual breakfast for them on Thanksgiving.  You could set out cereal and milk, along with a hot pot of coffee, and let the troops fend for themselves.  And when YOU'RE the guest, you -- :::gasp!::: -- kind-of, almost (...dare I say it?) prefer that.  But you don't want to do that when you're hosting, because... because... you like to be hospitable and play Suzy Homemaker and put something extra on your already-long to-do list.  I mean, it's not like you have Thanksgiving dinner to prepare or anything.  So if you fall into the category I've just described, consider making this... for the following reasons:  1) You can make it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning.  2) It's easy.  3) It's seasonal.  4) It's "light" compared to most French toast casseroles, which you'll appreciate when you're on your third helping of mashed potatoes and second slice of pie later in the day.  5) It'll help you feel satisfied as you scamper around the kitchen, knowing you've served your guests well.

2 large apples (I used Honey Crisp)
3 T. brown sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1 French baguette, sliced and chopped into bite-size pieces
1-1/2 c. Egg Beaters
1 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
2 T. honey
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
dash salt
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (which I forgot to do..)

Prepare an 8x8 baking dish by coating it with nonstick spray.

Peel, core, and chop apples.  In a bowl, toss apples with cinnamon and sugar to evenly coat.  Place mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spread cubed bread evenly on top of apple mixture.  In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.  Pour over bread.  Refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake for 45-50 minutes or until eggs are set and top is beginning to turn golden brown.