BAKED FRENCH TOAST, NEW ORLEANS STYLE

Steps:

• Spray a 12 x 8 inch casserole or baking dish with nonstick spray or lightly grease with butter.
• Arrange slices of bread across bottom of dish, completely covering bottom (squeeze in more if the bottom shows).
• In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, half and half, sugar and nutmeg; beat well.
• Pour evenly over the bread, then cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Before baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Uncover, and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
• Meanwhile, prepare sauce, by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the pears, and cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
• In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch, blending well; add honey and cornstarch to the pears and cook 2 minutes, stirring, or until mixture thickens and is bubbly.
• Serve sauce over French toast.