Overnight French Toast Bake with Berry Topping

Enjoy this baked French toast topped with berries. ...MORE + LESS -

12 cups cubed (1 inch/2.5 cm) soft French bread

8 eggs

3 cups (750 mL) half and half

1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar

1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla

1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar

1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch

1/4 cup (50 mL) orange juice

1 bag (300 g) frozen unsweetened mixed berries

3 cups (750 mL) fresh strawberries, cut into quarters

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1

Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place bread cubes in dish. In large bowl, beat eggs, half-and-half, 1/4 cup sugar, the cinnamon, salt and vanilla with wire whisk until smooth; pour over bread cubes. Cover tightly; refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
2

Heat oven to 400ºF. Uncover dish; bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and knife inserted in centre comes out clean.
3

Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, stir together 1 cup sugar and the cornstarch. Stir in orange juice until smooth. Stir in mixed berries. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook about 6 minutes, stirring constantly, until topping is slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
4

Just before serving, stir strawberries into topping. Serve warm over French toast bake.

How To: Use a serrated bread knife to easily cut through the bread slices. Slice off and discard the loaf ends so each slice will readily soak up the egg mixture.
Serve with: Enjoy this recipe with crisp bacon strips and freshly squeezed orange juice.