French Toast Strata

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 325°F. Coat a 13- by 9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.

   Step 2

   Cut baguette into 1/2-inch cubes and spread along the bottom of the dish.

   Step 3

   In a large bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and pour over bread.

   Step 4

   Cover with plastic wrap and press down lightly so the bread absorbs the egg mixture. Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) before baking.

   Step 5

   Bake for 45 minutes, or until eggs are set.

   Step 6

   When removed from oven, sprinkle with brown sugar and let stand for 10–15 minutes before serving.

2. Tips

   Step 7

   Spread 2 cups of your favorite mixed berries on top before baking, and top with fresh whipped cream instead of brown sugar before serving.

3. Step 8

   Substitute vanilla extract for almond extract; mix slivered almonds in with brown sugar to top before serving.

4. Step 9

   Peel & core an apple; using a mandolin (or a sharp knife), create thin apple rings and layer on top before baking; sprinkle 1/4 cup of cinnamon sugar on top before serving.

5. Nutrition Information

   Step 10

   Serving size: 1 serving

   Step 11

   Calories: 193

   Step 12

   Fat: 4 (20% calories from fat)

   Step 13

   Cholesterol: 118mg

   Step 14

   Sodium: 304mg

   Step 15

   Total Carbohydrate: 29g

   Step 16

   Dietary Fiber: 1g

   Step 17

   Protein: 8g