Baked Pear French Toast

More about how much I love brunch in this post. I made this bake over the weekend and wanted to share yet another completely delicious brunch option with you. My husband really enjoyed it and my only complaint was that it was a tad bread pudding-ish. The center was a little soggy but I think that's what one would probably love most about it... just not this someone. It's simple and flavorful and a perfect addition to what you're serving for brunch this coming weekend.


Baked Pear French Toast

9 slices Texas Toast
3 fresh pears
3T butter (plus more for the baking dish)
1/4C brown sugar
2t cinnamon
1t nutmeg
7 eggs
3 1/2C whole milk
1/4C sugar
2t vanilla

Butter a baking dish then toast the bread and cut in half, into triangles. Line the dish with the slices. Set aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter and add the pears cut into cubes and saute' until soft (about 8 minutes). Turn off heat and add brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside to cool. Whisk eggs and add milk, sugar and vanilla. Pour mixture evenly over the bread then pour the pear mixture over that. Cover with foil and chill overnight.

The next day: heat oven to 350, remove bake from fridge and remove foil. Bake for 60-70 minutes then rest, counter top, for 10 minutes then slice and serve alongside something savory and deliciously salty.

Granola

Granola is relatively simple and extremely versatile. There are over a million recipes floating around for it... so why am i adding to that list? What specialness can I offer? I have tested many, many recipes and feel like I have really perfected this one. If you enjoy fresh, homemade goodness and a healthy breakfast option, try my granola and see what you think. I really love it mixed in with Greek Yogurt and fresh banana or other fresh fruit. I also adore it softened just a bit with almond milk. This specific post was made with slivered almonds and unsweetened coconut flakes but it's amazing with these "mix-in's" as well:

*dried fruits (I especially enjoy berries and apples)
*hazelnuts
*sunflower seeds (pre-roasted)
*mini chocolate chips

If you add dried fruit, add it after you remove the granola from the oven, while the granola is still hot but don't "bake" it. If you choose something a tiny sweeter and add mini chocolate chips, let the granola cool completely before stirring them in.

Granola

3 C old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 C steel cut oats
1/2 C almond oil (I also love hazelnut oil and walnut oil)
1/2 C organic pure maple syrup
1/2 t nutmeg
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t ginger
3 T agave nectar
1/2 C slivered almonds
1/2 C unsweetened coconut flakes

Heat oven to 315. Combine all ingredients and mix well, making sure to cover all of the oats with oil and sweeteners. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick oil and pour the granola mixture out onto the pan. With a spatula, even out the layer of granola and bake for 10 minutes, Remove pan and stir the granola then return to the oven for 10 minutes, remove and repeat. Your granola should cook 30 minutes having been stirred 3 times on low heat. Cool on pan then transfer to an airtight container. Keeps 2 weeks in a cool dry place.