Alma's Festive Morning French Toast

Sharing tea with Alma is always a treat!

The Chew on Tuesday had a feature called "The Iron Grandma Brunch Battle". Three grandmother's were selected to prepare and share their favorite brunch recipes. A panel of three distinguished judges gave the "Iron Grandma" award to Mama T for her delicious overnight French toast recipe. While viewing, I realized a similarity to Alma's delicious company breakfast French toast. It's perfect for company because you can prepare it the evening before and place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply pop into the oven to bake for 45 minutes and then set on the table to serve. Simply add juice or tea. This dish contains carbs, protein, and fruit. It's a one-dish meal. I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as our family does.

Alma's Festive Morning French Toast

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided

3 tart apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (Granny Smith)

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1 loaf Italian or French bread (cut into 1-inch slices)

6 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 Tbsp. vanilla

Combine brown sugar, butter and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a 13 x 9 baking dish.  Add apples and cranberries; toss to coat well.  Spread apple mixture evenly over bottom of baking dish.  Arrange slices of bread on top.

Mix eggs, milk, vanilla and remaining 2 tsp. cinnamon until well blended.  Pour mixture over bread, soaking bread completely.  Cover and refrigerate 4 - 24 hours.

Bake covered with aluminum foil, in a preheated 375 degree oven for 40 minutes.  Uncover and bake 5 minutes.  Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes.  Serve warm.

Makes 12 servings.

*To veganize, substitute almond or soy milk for dairy milk. Instead of eggs, use a block of tofu that's blended with 1/2 to 3/4 cup water. Use Earth Balance or olive oil to replace butter. Easy.

Alma is modeling a teapot purse. Size extra-large!
You could fit  your stash of cosmetics in this handbag.