APPLE BAKED FRENCH TOAST

1 large loaf French or Italian bread
3 1/2 cups milk
8 large eggs
1 cup sugar, divided use
1 tablespoon vanilla
6 to 8 medium-sized cooking apples
3 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter
TO SERVE:
warm maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Spray a 13x9-inch glass pan with margarine or cooking spray.

Slice bread into 1-1/2 inch slices. Place bread in the prepared baking dish with sides touching (snug fit).

In a bowl, beat together milk, eggs, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and vanilla with whisk, for about 30 seconds. Pour one half of egg mixture over bread.

Peel, core, and slice apples. Place sliced apples on top of bread to cover. Pour balance of egg mixture evenly over apples.

Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg and sprinkle evenly over top of apples. Dot with butter. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Uncover dish and bake in oven for 1 hour. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

TO SERVE:
Cut into squares and serve with warm syrup or powdered sugar.