Carmel French Toast

Ingredients:	8 eggs • 1-1/2 cups half and half • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar • 10 to 12 slices soft bread, broken into small bits Topping: • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar • 2/3 cup maple syrup • 2 cups chopped pecans
Directions:	Generously butter a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish. Mix the eggs, half and half, maple syrup, and sugar in a large bowl. Place the bread in the prepared casserole dish and cover with the egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and let soak overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350º degrees F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Make the topping: Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the sugar and maple syrup and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the pecans. Pour the mixture over the bread and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.