BAKED EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST WITH CRANBERRIES AND APPLES

Steps:

• For cranberries and apples--whisk together the apple cider, corn syrup, and brown sugar in a large heavy saucepan set over high heat.
• Boil until reduced to 1 cup, about 15 minutes.
• Whisk in 4 tbsp of the butter until melted.
• Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter in a large heavy frying pan over medium heat until hot.
• Add the apples and saute, stirring 2 minutes.
• Add the cranberries and sugar, and stir until the cranberries begin to pop, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the reduced cider mixture and cook until the mixture has reduced to a syrup-like consistency, about 6 minutes.
• Taste and stir in more sugar, if desired.
• For the eggnog french toast--arrange the bread slices in a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
• Whisk together the eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl.
• Pour the mixture over the bread.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
• Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat oven to 450°.
• Butter a large, rimmed baking sheet with some of the melted butter.
• Using a metal spatula, transfer the bread slices to the baking sheet.
• Brush the bread with the remaining melted butter.
• Bake for 10 minutes, and then turn and bake until golden brown on the outside, and still soft inside, 5-6 minutes.
• Watch carefully so they do not burn.
• Arrange two slices on each of six dinner plates and mound the warm fruits on top.
• Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve.