Heat up a cold morning or night with French toast

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Serve this with fresh blueberries or other favorite berries.

1 stick ( 1/2 cup) unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons corn syrup

8 ounces country-style bread or Vienna bread

5 large eggs

1 1/4 cups half-and-half

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon Grand Marnier, optional

1/4 teaspoon salt

In a small heavy saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring until smooth, and pour into a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from the bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts if desired. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.

In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bring the French toast mixture to room temperature.

Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Serve hot French toast immediately.

Yield: 6 servings

Nutrition information: 530 calories (43 percent of calories from fat), 26 grams fat (15 grams saturated fat), 65 grams carbohydrates, 11 grams protein, 438 milligrams sodium, 234 milligrams cholesterol, 127 milligrams calcium, 1 gram fiber.