Baked French Toast Casserole

Ingredients for the French toast:
1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
butter, for pan
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 T sugar
1 T vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash salt

Ingredients for praline topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 T light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Ingredients for raspberry syrup:
1 cup raspberry preserves
3 T water
2 T raspberry liqueur (Framboise preferred)

Preparing the French toast:
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch thick each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). 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, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. 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. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread praline topping evenly over the bread and bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with raspberry syrup.

* * * * * * *

Preparing the praline topping:
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread over bread as directed above.

* * * * * * *

Preparing the raspberry syrup:
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir until warm and thinned out like syrup.

Serves 6 to 8