christmas morning is so magical. isn’t it?

the kiddos are so excited to see what santa has delivered. everyone stays in their pajamas. slippers are on. there is bed head. and snuggles. and an extra dose of merriment. hot coffee is brewing. food is in the oven. music is playing. the tree is glowing. it is the ultimate hygge experience.

i just love the cozy early christmas morning.

we always make a super easy & super comforting breakfast for christmas morning. one of these dishes is always our french toast bake. its smells divine. it is beautiful to look at. its delicious as all get out. and the best part . . . you can assemble it the evening before.

the key to a really great french toast bake is really great bread. i always use either a challah loaf or a brioche loaf. it makes such a difference in the consistency and texture of the bake. this year i am baking an almond creme brûlée french toast. it is divine. one of my favorite variations.

is that not the most beautiful french toast? it is like a snowy winter wonderland. honestly this will be a fan fave & be gone in a flash. its so yummy. and very decadent. it may look fancy . . . but you’ll never believe how easy it is to bake.

i made this last week. and it did not last us long. i am already looking forward to enjoying it again on christmas morning.

almond creme brûlée french toast

• Author: Kristen Mills

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Ingredients

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one loaf of challah bread. or brioche. sliced thickly.

I cup brown sugar

1 stick unsalted butter

5 eggs

1 1/2 cup half n half

2 teaspoons almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

powdered sugar

slivered almonds

maple syrup

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Instructions

melt the butter in a saucepan. mix in the brown sugar. stir until it is dissolved. pour mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 dish. arrange the sliced bread into the baking dish.

in a separate bowl. whisk together the eggs. half n half. almond extract. and salt. pour this mixture over the bread. place in the fridge to chill overnight.

in the morning. bring the dish to room temperature. preheat the oven to 350. bake uncovered for 35 minutes.

after removing dish from the oven. top with a lot of powdered sugar & slivered almonds.

 

allow people to serve themselves. top with syrup. whipped cream. berries. or chocolate chips. and prepare to be blown away at how delicious this is!

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