No gifts this year?

What would happen if no gifts arrived at your house this year?

Listen in to what happens here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/650902/2254256-the-heart-of-the-story-special-delivery-episode-13

Here is a gift for you!

My friend made this bake ahead French toast at a church lunch the other day. Here is her recipe she shared from her ministry called “A Shared Gathering“

Baked French Toast with Raspberry Basil Syrup

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

10 large eggs

2 ½ cups half-and-half

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

The zest from 1 orange

½ tsp. kosher salt

10 cups day-old challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes

Raspberry Basil Syrup:

3 cups raspberries, plus more for serving 

A few basil leaves

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

½ cup sugar

For serving:

Powdered sugar

Toasted sliced almonds

Whipped mascarpone cream

Grease a 9 x 13 oval baking dish with butter and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, vanilla, orange zest and salt.

Spread the diced bread in the prepared baking dish. Pour over the egg mixture, pressing down lightly to moisten the bread. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake it for 60-70 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is puffed and browned. Check after 45 minutes; if the top is getting too browned, cover it lightly with aluminum foil. Cool for 10 minutes, sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar. Serve with Raspberry Basil Syrup, toasted almonds, whipped mascarpone and additional fresh raspberries if desired.

Serves 6-8

Raspberry Basil Syrup

Combine raspberries, basil, lemon juice and sugar to the bowl of a food processor and puree. Warm up slightly if desired, but don’t let it boil.

A Shared Table

www.asharedtable.net