1 (1 lb) unsliced french OR italian bread
8 lg eggs
1 cup sugar, divided
3 1/2 cups milk
1 tbs vanilla extract
6-8 med granny smith apples
1 tbs ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbs butter
warm maple syrup
whipped cream
fresh mint sprig, for garnish

slice bread into 1 1/2″ thick slices. arrange bread slices in a lightly greased 9″x13″ baking dish, placing tightly together.

beat eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, milk, and vanilla with a wire whisk until blended. pour half of the egg mixture over the bread.

peel, core, and slice enough apples to measure about 8 1/2 cups. place sliced apple over bread to cover. pour remaining half of the egg mixture over apple. combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar cinnamon, and nutmeg; spirnkle evenly over apple. dot with butter. cover and chill at least 8 hours.

bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1 hour. remove from oven and let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. cut into squares, and serve with warm maple syrup; top with whipped cream. garnish, if desired.

8 servings