Do-Ahead, One Dish French Toast

"Do-Ahead French Toast"
by Lisa Saunders

This is really easy and yummy! You can make it the day before then pop it in the the oven when you wake up. My guests always ask for the recipe. This is how I make it:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1-2 loaves  unsliced French bread, with ends removed.
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Powdered sugar (you don't really need this)
Warmed maple syrup (you don't really need this either)

Melt butter in saucepan. Add brown sugar and cook until syrupy (mine never seems to get well mixed, but it doesn't seem to matter). Be careful not to overcook it as it can get hard. I have melted the butter and brown sugar in the microwave and that seems to work out O.K., too. Pour butter and brown sugar mixture into a  9x13 dish. Slice bread 1" thick (about 12-20 pieces) and arrange in dish. Beat eggs, milk and vanilla together in a separate bowl and pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight (I've baked it without refrigerating it overnight). Uncover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Sift powered sugar on top. I think it is really sweet without the syrup, but have the syrup for your guests just in case they feel sad not having it to pour on!