Friends, Fun & French Toast

My friend Patricia and I had a sleep-over at our friend Tisha's house on Friday...it was our 2nd Annual Sleep-over!
We did a little shopping, a little crafting, a little sleeping, and a little lot of eating...plus time spent just hanging out and enjoying one another's company.  It was so nice and relaxing and fun!

For Saturday breakfast Tisha used a recipe that Tracey shared on Notes From A Cottage Industry.  French Toast!  So wonderful! She served it with sausage, fruit, juice and coffee.  It was divine!

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 C. packed brown sugar
2 T. maple syrup
1/2 t. rum extract
1 country-style bread (an 8- to 9-inch round)
6 eggs
1 3/4 C. half-and-half
1 t. vanilla extract
2 teaspoons Grand Marnier
1/4 t. salt
Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the sugar, maple syrup, and rum extract. Pour the mixture into the dish.
Cut six 1 1/2-inch thick slices from the center of the bread. Arrange the bread slices in one layer in the baking dish, squeezing them slightly so they fit.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 8 hours and for up to one day.
Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Set the oven at 350° F.
Uncover the dish and bake the French toast for 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Serve at once.

Tracey said that it's "a slice of heaven on a breakfast plate"!  Oh  my goodness, yes, indeedy! Tracey was right!

P.S.  Thanks for the hospitality Tisha!