French Toast Strata

nonstick cooking spray

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1⁄3 cup maple syrup

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon table salt 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, cut into ½-inch x 9-inch strips

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, divided

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 420 (47% from fat) • carb. 44g • pro. 11g • fat 22g • sat. fat 12g • chol. 190mg • sod. 430mg • calc. 177mg • fiber 2g

1. Lightly coat a 9-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray; reserve.

2. Add the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, syrup, spices and salt to a medium mixing bowl. Using a Cuisinart hand mixer fitted with the chef’s whisk, beat the mixture until foamy.

3. Tightly fit half of the challah bread strips into the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour half of the egg mixture on top and evenly dot with half of the brown sugar. Repeat with the remaining bread, layering in the opposite direction of the first layer of bread. Pour the remaining egg mixture on top, dot with the remaining brown sugar. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

4. Remove the strata from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.

5. Preheat the Cuisinart® Toaster Oven Broiler to 350°F on the convection or bake setting with the rack in position A. Dot the top of the strata with the butter and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the strata reaches 160°F. Remove and serve immediately.