Crème Brûlée French Toast

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• bread of your choice – we usually use cinnamon raisin bread
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

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.

2. 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.

3. In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread.

4. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

5. Preheat oven to 350° F. and bring bread to room temperature.

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

7. Top with berry preparation of your choice – we usually use the minted strawberries from the Baked Lemon and Vanilla Oatmeal recipe.

8. Serve hot French toast immediately.