Ok, I have to admit, this recipe was created because (a) I had to get rid of a french loaf which I had frozen, defrosted, frozen and defrosted again (b) because my chickens went egg laying crazy and (c) I really want to have a second cup of coffee with the husband instead of having to rush and get breakfast prepared for the kiddos. This takes all of 10 minutes to assemble the night before and can bake while you get ready for work or enjoy a cup of coffee.
Ingredients:
1 loaf french bread (day old is perfect for this recipe)
2 cups milk (whole, skim, soy or a mixture can be used - whatever you have on hand)
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds (or your favorite nut)
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Cut loaf into 1-2 inch cubes. Doesn't have to be exact. Place cubes on a pan and heat in 350 oven for 7 minutes. This is just to dry out the bread a little and keep it from turning into mush.
In the meantime, mix together remaining ingredients (except nuts and chocolate chips) till well combined.
Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray or rub butter along sides and bottom of pan.
Place bread into large mixing bowl. Pour wet ingredients over top. Add nuts & chocolate chips. Stir gently just to coat. Pour mixture into baking dish. Cover with foil and place in the fridge overnight. Go to bed dreaming of delicious things to come in the morning.
After your first cup of coffee and preheating the oven to 375 degrees, place the covered pan into the oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking till top is golden, about 10 more minutes. Make sure to stick the center with a toothpick to ensure no yolk or goo is evident (meaning it's done cooking) before removing from oven.
Best if spooned into bowls, drizzled with a little syrup or powdered sugar and served with a tall glass of milk. Enjoy!
If you don't care for chocolate chips, simply omit or substitute. Here are some other great combinations:
* apple chunks & chopped walnuts
* dried cranberries & chopped pecans
* dark chocolate, dried cranberries, orange zest, chopped pecans
* take it over the top with chopped up Snickers bars or Reese's peanut butter cups
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