Preparation

• 1. Coat two 9­inch round (and at least 2½­inches deep) pie pans (OR a 9 by 13­ inch baking dish) with butter
  or nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Divide butter mixture between prepared
  pans and tilt so that it evenly coats the bottom of each pan.
  Arrange pecan halves in an attractive pattern
  at the bottom of your pans. Cover and refrigerate pans until you're ready to assemble baked French toast.
  3. Place bread and apple pieces in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, syrup, vanilla,
  and cinnamon. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture and stir until all bread and apples are coated.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour the bread and apple mixture over the pecan praline layer. Bake for 45 to 55
  minutes or until golden and puffed. If you used pie pans, allow to rest for 5 minutes before turning out onto
  serving platters.