This is amazing. I first had it at a baby shower. I asked for the recipe, and I also found it online at http://www.foodnetwork.com/. Then Dave made it for the mother's day brunch at church, and many, many people have asked us for the recipe. You have to make it!
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp corn syrup
1 (8 to 9) inch round loaf Challah bread (we used Sara Lee Texas Toast bread - it's not quite an inch thick, but close).
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier (we used cinnamon)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp corn syrup
1 (8 to 9) inch round loaf Challah bread (we used Sara Lee Texas Toast bread - it's not quite an inch thick, but close).
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier (we used cinnamon)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring until smooth, and pour into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Cut 6 (1-inch) thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit. In a bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bring bread mixture to room temperature. Bake uncovered in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.
In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring until smooth, and pour into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Cut 6 (1-inch) thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit. In a bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bring bread mixture to room temperature. Bake uncovered in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.
To serve, cut into pieces and put on plate upside down. The original recipe called for whipped cream on top, but we thought it was plenty sweet enough. Yum!
