French Toast Casserole
a la Disney Family Fun magazine

Challah or other firm white bread
1/2 c pecan or walnuts, chopped
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 t cinnamon or to taste
8 large eggs
1 3/4 c milk
2 t vanilla
maple syrup

Grease 9x13 pan with butter. Slice bread into 12- 1 inch thick slices, then slice into 1 inch cubes.  In small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon and chopped nuts.
Arrange half of the bread cubes in a single layer in dish, then sprinkle half of sugar mixture over the top. Add second layer of bread and sugar mixture.
Whisk together eggs and milk in separate bowl, adding vanilla until well blended. Starting from the sides, and working towards the center, pour egg mixture evenly over bread. With a spatula, gently press down on bread to coat it with egg mixture. Cover dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
Bake for 20 minutes at 350 with foil on, then 30 minutes without. Casserole should look brown and slightly puffed. Serve warm with maple syrup.