Spreading Christmas Cheer with a Festive Brunch + The Best French Toast Recipe

Grey Ruffled Sweater (on sale $24!) // J.Crew Factory Skirt ($38!) // Mary Jane Pumps 

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer for all to hear is by having a festive brunch!  Whether you are hosting or attending, brunch is always a good idea!  I think I love brunch so much because it’s much more hearty than breakfast because it combines lunch and breakfast together!  Plus it’s pretty standard to have mimosas at brunch.  Maybe that’s the real reason.  Either reason seems good enough for me!

My sister in law introduced me to America’s Test Kitchen a few year’s ago with this amazing French Toast Casserole that has become a Christmas morning tradition for their family.  I had to try it out myself, and it is absolutely delicious.  It’s the perfect sweet treat for Christmas morning or take along to a brunch like I did!  You prep it the day before and just toss it in the oven the day you want it!

French Toast Casserole (From America's Test Kitchen)

From Afternoon Espresso at https://afternoon-espresso.com/christmas-cheer-festive-brunch/

https://afternoon-espresso.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/brunch8-1-of-1.jpg

You'll Need...

• CASSEROLE:
• 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick (I use sourdough)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• TOPPING:
• 12 tablespoons butter (1 1/2 sticks)
• 1 1⁄3 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 1⁄2 cups pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Casserole:.
2. Heat oven to 325°F.
3. Arrange bread in a single layer on two baking sheets.
4. Bake bread until dry and lightly browned; about 25 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and allow bread to cool.
6. Butter or spray the bottom and side of 9 by 13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Layer the baked bread tightly in the prepared dish; you should have two layers.
8. Whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half,sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.
9. Pour evenly over bread.
10. Press lightly on the bread to submerge. (I've found it helpful to cover the pan with plastic wrap and then place a weighted saucer on the top).
11. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
12. Before Baking:.
13. Preheat oven to 350°F.
14. Mix the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup together until smooth.
15. Stir in the pecans.
16. Spoon the topping over the casserole and spread evenly.
17. Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden, about 60 minutes.
18. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Wellesley and King is talking about what to wear to your next brunch!

Zoe With Love is chatting about her perfect table setting she created in this beautiful brunch!

Yes, Wear That is going to be telling us where to get the best Christmas cookies in town!

Photography By Julie Kahlbaugh