Sweet Valentines Day...Baked French Toast with Berries

Did you know...

The Strawberry is a member of the rose family.

The average Strawberry contains 200 seeds.

Baked French Toast with Berries...

This dish is "over the top" indulgent and packed with sweet berry goodness.
Perfect for guests and so easy to put together.
Assemble the night before and just add the finishing touches 
the morning of baking.

Baked French Toast with Berries

1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1 inch thick slices

(cut only what can fit into a 9in. x 13in. (22.86cm x 33.02cm) baking dish - 
usually 6-7 slices)

4 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 bag (20oz.) frozen mixed berries, do NOT unthaw.

2-4 bananas, sliced

1 and 1/2 cup sugar

1 and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon nutmeg

dash of ground clove

dash of ground ginger

• Arrange bread slices in 9in. x 13in. baking dish.
• Combine eggs, milk, vanilla and baking powder.  Pour over bread.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning...

• In a large bowl, toss fruit, sugar and spices.

• Spoon fruit mixture into a greased 9in. x 13in. baking dish.

• Position bread slices on top of fruit mixture.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
• Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, then cover with foil. Turn heat down to 400 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes longer.

• Serve French Toast by sliding a spatula under a piece and flipping it over on the serving plate.  Spoon fruit mixture over French Toast.

Happy Valentine's Day...  ;)