Maple-Pecan French Toast Bake

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 slices of thick bread (such as Texas toast)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
3. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a baking dish.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and let it soak for about 5 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the maple syrup and chopped pecans.
6. Top the bread with the maple-pecan mixture and spread it evenly.
7. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top (if using).
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
9. Serve warm with additional maple syrup, if desired.

Nutritional Information: Calories: ~380 per serving (Based on average weight and calculations may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• The combination of maple syrup and pecans creates a unique and sweet flavor.
• The bread is soft and infused with the egg mixture, creating a rich and creamy texture.
• It's perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent dish for a weekend breakfast! The combination of flavors was superb." - John Doe, New York
2. "I love how the pecans add a crunchy texture to the dish. It's delicious!" - Jane Smith, California
3. "This is a great dish to serve for a family gathering or a special occasion." - Michael Johnson, Texas

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh eggs and good quality maple syrup for best results.
• Bread thickness will affect the cooking time, so adjust accordingly if using different types of bread.
• For extra richness, you can use a combination of regular and chopped pecans for a mixed texture experience.