Make-Ahead Chocolate French Toast
Servings 6

1 loaf day-old French bread
1 cup milk chocolate chips or cinnamon chips
5 eggs, beaten
1-1/4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
maple syrup, optional

Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut the French bread into 6 slices, each 1 1/2 inches thick. Using a small, sharp knife, cut 2-inch-long slits in one side of each bread slice, cutting 3/4 of the way through the bread, to create a pocket. Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of chips into the pocket of each bread slice; press to close. Place filled slices into prepared baking pan. Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread; carefully turn pieces over, spooning mixture in pan over top of bread. Cover pan with plastic wrap; refrigerate several hours or overnight. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake, uncovered, 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer toast to plates. Serve with maple syrup, if desired.