Baked Apple French Toast

Katie's specialty! Perfect for any morning celebration.
serve with Cinnamon Syrup (recipe below)

1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, cut into 1 1/2"-thick slices
8 eggs
3 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 tablespoon vanilla
5 Granny Smith apples, peeled & sliced
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400˚.

Cut bread into 1 1/2"-thick slices. Arrange these slices in a tightly packed single layer in a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Whisk eggs in a large bowl until blended. Whisk in milk, 1/4 cup of the sugar, and vanilla.

Pour half the egg mixture over the bread slices. Arrange apple slices over the bread. (Pan will be quite full.) Pour the remaining egg mixture over the apples.

Mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture over the top. Bake for 35 minutes or until apples are tender. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Cinnamon Syrup
Boil for two minutes: 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup evaporated milk.