Recipe(tried): Holiday Morning French Toast

This is a recipe from McCormick spices that appeared in the paper last year and I have made it at least four times for brunch - not only does it taste delicious, but you can make it the night before and just put it in the oven for brunch. I'm sure you'll love it also - I've share it with at least 10 friends who really enjoyed it.
I hope you do, too!

Holidy Morning French Toast

Oven 375

1 c brown sugar
1/2 c butter, melted
3t cinnamon (divided)
3 tart apples - Granny Smith - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 c dried cranberries or raisins
1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into about 3/4" slices
6 large eggs
1-1/2 c milk
1T vanilla

1. Combine brown sugar, butter and 1t cinnamon in a 13x9 baking dish or pan. Add apples and cranberries/raisins; toss to coat well. Spread apple mixture evenly over bottom of baking dish. arrange slices of bread on top.

2. Mix eggs, milk, vanilla and remaining 2t cinnamon until well blended. Pour mixture over bread, making sure to cover all the bread and soak completely.

3. Bake, covered with aluminum foil, in a preheated 375 oven for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Makes 12 servings