Honey Baked French Toast

Honey Baked French Toast

I don't usually like honey, but my daughter forced me to try this recipe once, and I saw that she was right. The honey bakes up into a wonderful caramelized glaze that removes the need for syrup.

Serves 3 to 6

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3 tablespoons honey
2/3 cup orange juice
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of nutmeg
6 (1/2- to 3/4-inch) thick slices of French bread, Italian bread, or Challah

Heat oven to 375.

Put butter and honey into a 9-by-13-inch nonreactive baking dish. Heat in oven until butter melts and honey is bubbling, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and stir well.

In another baking dish, whisk together juice, eggs, spices, and salt. Dip bread in, turning it once to coat it well, let it soak about 2 minutes per side, then carefully set each piece of bread into the honey-buttered pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until well-browned. Before serving, flip over each piece so the honey-butter side is up.