Make-Ahead Vanilla French Toast

Ingredients

• 1 (1-pound) loaf French bread
• 1 1/2 cups Land O Lakes Half &Half
• 1 cup milk
• 6 Land O Lakes Eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
• if desired
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Land O Lakes Half &Half
• 1/4 cup Land O Lakes Butter
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds*
• Maple syrup
• if desired

Instructions

1. Slice bread into 12 (1-inch thick) slices.
2. Arrange bread slices in bottom of greased 13x9-inch baking dish; set aside.
3. Combine all remaining French toast ingredients in bowl.
4. Beat at low speed until well mixed.
5. Pour mixture over bread, covering all bread surfaces.
6. Cover; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
7. Heat oven to 350F.
8. Combine all sauce ingredients except almonds in small saucepan.
9. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3-4 minutes or until butter is melted.
10. Continue cooking until mixture comes to a boil.
11. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
12. Remove from heat.
13. Sprinkle bread with almonds.
14. Pour half of sauce mixture over bread mixture in pan.
15. Bake, uncovered, 45-55 minutes or until golden brown.
16. Let stand 5 minutes.
17. Heat remaining sauce, just before serving; pour over French toast.
18. Serve French toast warm with maple syrup, if desired.