Easy French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
• Cooking spray
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg white
• 1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 (1-inch-thick) French bread slices
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted pecans
• Strawberry slices (optional)

Preparation

1. 1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat until bubbly and sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Pour sugar mixture into an 11 x 7–inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray, spreading evenly over bottom of dish.
2. 2. Combine eggs and egg white in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk until blended. Stir in milk, vanilla, and salt. Dip bread slices in egg mixture, and arrange over sugar mixture. Pour any remaining egg mixture evenly over bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. 3. Preheat oven to 350°.
4. 4. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. 5. Place 1 toast piece on each of 6 plates. Sprinkle each serving with 1 teaspoon pecans. Garnish with strawberry slices, if desired.
6.  
7. Young Chefs can:
8. Help measure brown sugar
9. Place bread slices in egg mixture
10.  
11. Older Chefs can:
12. Crack and whisk eggs
13. Pour leftover egg mixture over bread slices