Assemble this dish the night before and your guests will wake up to a special breakfast treat served by a relaxed hostess (or host) because all the prep work will have been done already!

Harvest Apple Bake

8 large eggs

1 loaf of French bread

2 1/2 cups milk

1 cup light cream

1 cup granulated sugar, divided use

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

7 medium-sized cooking apples

2 tablespoons butter

Maple syrup for accompaniment

1. Slice bread into 1 1/2-inch slices. Place bread tightly together into a 9 x 13-inch greased glass pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla for about 30 seconds. Pour half of egg mixture over bread.
3. Peel, core, and slice apples. Place sliced apples on top of bread to cover and pour balance of egg mixture evenly over apples.
4. Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg and sprinkle evenly over top of apples. Dot with butter.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. The next day, bake uncovered in 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
7. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
8. Cut into squares and serve warm with maple syrup.

Makes 12 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Iowa Egg Council.