Paula Deen's French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups half-and-half
• 1⁄3 cup maple syrup
• 1⁄3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 10 -12 slices soft bread, 1 inch thick
• 1⁄2 cup butter (topping)
• 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar, packed (topping)
• 2⁄3 cup maple syrup (topping)
• 2 cups pecans, chopped (topping)

Directions

1. Generously butter a 13 X 9-inch casserole dish. Mix the eggs, half and half, maple syrup, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Place the bread slices in the prepared casserole dish and cover with the egg mixture cover with plastic wrap and let soak overnight in refrigerator.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F remove the casserole from refrigerator.
4. Make the Topping melt the butter in a saucepan add sugar and maple syrup and cook for 1 to 2 minutes stir in pecans.
5. Pour the mixture over the bread and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, allow to cool 10 minutes before serving.