This easy-to-make casserole is a great way to use up extra bread from around the house, and is delicious with apples and raisins baked right in!

French toast casserole

Ingredients:

• 12 slices 100% whole grain whole wheat bread or any 100% whole grain bread you like
• 8 large eggs
• 2 ¾ cup (675 mL) skim milk
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp (2 mL) ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) ground allspice
• 2 local apples, sliced into thin slices or cut into small chunks
• ½ cup (125 mL) raisins or dried cranberries
• Pure maple syrup for pouring over at serving time

Method:

1. Line the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking dish with wet parchment paper that has been wrung out. Set aside.
2. Tear 6 slices of bread into bites sized pieces and place in the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with all of the apples and raisons or dried cranberries. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Tear the remaining 6 slices and place on top of the apples.
3. Whisk eggs in a large bowl, add milk and the vanilla. Whisk until combined. Pour mixture over bread. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. The next day: Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven until puffed and golden brown, and a tester comes out clean from the centre of the pan, approx. 1-1 ¼ hours
5. Spoon into soup bowls and serve drizzled with pure maple syrup.

Nutrients per Serving using dried cranberries: 308 Calories, 7 g Total Fat, 2 g Sat Fat, 348 g Sodium,  44 g Carbs, 5.6 g Fibre: 16.6 g Protein

Courtesy Mairlyn Smith,

www.mairlynsmith.com

@mairlynsmith