Categories: Breakfast, Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 large loaf soft white Italian bread, cut into 1-inch slices, crusts removed (may use soft French bread)
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- powdered sugar
- pure maple syrup
Directions
-
In a small saucepan, over med-low heat, warm cream and lavender for 5 minutes or until steaming.
- Remove from heat and let cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- In another small saucepan, over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup, stirring until smooth and sugar has dissolved.
- Pour into 13 × 9 inch glass baking dish.
- Arrange bread slices in a single layer on top, pushing the slices tightly together.
- In a big bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Strain cream mixture through a fine sieve into egg mixture, discarding lavender; whisk to combine.
- Pour evenly over bread.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°; meanwhile, let casserole stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for 35-40 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
- Serve hot, with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a light drizzle of maple syrup.