Happy Birthday, George

Whether or not George Washington really cut down a cherry tree as a child is a debated story. Many of us learned it as elementary students, a lesson to teach the moral value of honesty demonstrated by our first President. Since the early reading books by McGuffy made the story common legend, cherries have been associated with George Washington.

So, as co-hostess for this month's church circle meeting, I had a yummy French Toast casserole for the brunch planned. Instead of the original recipe's apple pie filling, the February choice is Cherry Pie Filling. A snowy day cancellation kept me from church circle, but didn't keep us from enjoying the casserole for supper at home.
The recipe calls for slices of French bread, it makes 10 large or 20 small (if slices are halved when serving) servings. I think that when I do make this for a group I will cube the bread for the bottom and top layers so it can be cut into 15 servings per pan.

Baked Apple/Cherry French Toast
Ingredients:
20 slices French bread (about 3/4-inch thick)
1 can (21 oz) apple or cherry pie filling
8 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons corn syrup

Directions:
Arrange 10 slices (or half the cubes) in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Spread with pie filling; top with the remaining bread. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour over bread.

Ready for the fridge overnight

Cherry Pie filling is colorful

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

top with brown sugar & nut mixture

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Meanwhile, place brown sugar in a small bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans and corn syrup. Sprinkle over French toast.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35-40 minute or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Into the oven

Can serve with whipped topping, maple syrup, and additional nuts. (I didn't think it needed any of those 'extras'. It would be good with a side dish of yogurt)