FRENCH TOAST WITH ORANGE CASSEROLE

1 loaf Texas Toast

8 large eggs

2 c. half-and-half

½ c. 2% milk

2 Tbs. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 Tbs. orange peel

2 tsp. orange extract or 2 Tbs. Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)

½ c. orange juice

¼ tsp. nutmeg

Dash of salt

Syrup

Pecan Topping

1 stick (8 Tbs.) butter, at room temperature

½ c. light brown sugar

1 c. chopped pecans

1 Tbs. light corn syrup

½ tsp. cinnamon

Butter or spray a 9x13 casserole dish. Arrange the Texas Toast in 2 rows, overlapping the bread. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, orange peel, orange extract or Grand Marnier, orange juice, nutmeg and salt.  Whisk until well combined.  Pour the mixture over the bread and pour it in between the bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Combine Pecan Topping and set aside until morning.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Top French toast with Pe...