Pear & Vanilla French Toast Bake - Bread

Method

• Spray a 13 X 9 casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• Cut bread into cubes and set aside to dry out slightly.
• In a large bowl, whip eggs, half & half, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon until eggs are foamy; set aside.
• In a large skillet, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until sugar begins to lightly bubble.
• Remove from heat and place sliced pears in skillet, stirring until pears are coated with the brown sugar mixture.
• Arrange half of the bread mixture on the bottom of the casserole dish; spread pears on top of bread, then layer remaining bread over pears.
• Pour egg mixture over bread & pear layers, using a spatula or wooden spoon to gently press down on the bread to allow egg mixture to soak in.
• Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Remove from refrigerator when you are ready to bake, and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• If you are using walnuts, sprinkle walnuts over the top before baking.
• Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until eggs are set and bread is puffed up.
• Cool slightly before serving.