Blueberry French Toast Casserole

 I’ve been making this version of a French toast casserole for many years.  I added blueberries….because I add blueberries to everything I can.  It is always well received.

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread (13-16 oz) torn or cut into small pieces

8 large eggs

1-1/2 cups half and half

3/4 cup milk

3/4 cup maple syrup

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

Dash salt

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen which have been thawed and drained.

1/2-1 cup pecan pieces (optional)

Spray or butter a 9x13 baking dish.  In a large bowl combine the eggs, half and half, milk, maple syrup, sugar cinnamon, vanilla and salt.  Mix well with a whisk or rotary beater, but don’t let it get too bubbly.  Pour mixture over the bread slices.  Push bread down into liquid to be sure everything is wet.  Mix together another Tbsp of sugar and a tsp of cinnamon and sprinkle on top.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  The next morning preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Uncover pan, sprinkle blueberries (and pecans if desired) on top.  Bake for 40 minutes.  Should be puffed and golden.  Serve with additional syrup if desired.

ALTERNATE TOPPING:

If you don’t want to go the blueberry route, you can use this praline topping. 

Praline Topping

1/2 pound butter (2 sticks) softened

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

2 Tbsp light corn syrup

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well.  With fingers, spread on top of casserole prior to baking.

Red White & Blue Trifle

Is this not a beautiful dessert?  This is my own creation and it is as yummy as it is pretty!  The berries have been absolutely delicious this year.  The blueberries are big and juicy and the strawberries...what can I say!    Last year I made this for the first time and did it a little differently.  But this year's variation was the clear winner for taste.  It has moved into the "must haves" on our 4th of July party menu.

Red, White & Blue Trifle

Ingredients

Angel Food Cake (ready made, boxed and made at home, or made from scratch) - tear into bite size pieces
1 pound of blueberries - cleaned, stems removed
2 pounds of strawberries - cleaned, hulls removed, sliced
Cream cheese mixture - an 8 oz cream cheese, softened; mix with 1 cup powdered sugar, and an 8 oz container of cool whip, thawed

You are going to have to divide everything into thirds.  Layer the cake, cream cheese, berries, repeat.  I like to save back some of the strawberries for the top and instead of slices I cut them in half.  You can get as creative as you want on the top.

To make sure the berries are easily seen be sure to slide some blueberries and strawberries down the sides of the bowl as you layer.

Such a wonderful dessert.  Light, refreshing, and full of flavor.  Enjoy!!!