Ingredients

•   Nonstick cooking spray
• 1  16-ounce loaf French bread
• 12  eggs
• 3-1/2  cups milk
• 1/2  cup sugar
• 1  tablespoon vanilla
• 4  to 5 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2  cup sugar
• 2  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2  tablespoons butter, cut up
•   Maple syrup

Directions

Coat a 13x9x2-inch baking dish (3-quart rectangular) with some nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Cut the bread into 1-1/2-inch-thick slices (about 8 slices). Arrange slices in a single layer in the baking dish.

In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, first 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla. Pour half of the mixture over bread slices. Arrange apple slices over bread. Pour remaining mixture evenly over apples.

Stir together remaining 1/2 cup sugar, the cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples. Dot with butter. Cover bread mixture with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Bake, covered, in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 40 minutes more or until a knife inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. The toast should be nicely puffed. Remove the French toast from oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Cut into squares and serve with syrup. Makes 12 servings.