Caramel Pecan French Toast Casserole

I modified this recipe to create the delicious masterpiece below.  It's the perfect Christmas or New Year's Day breakfast because it can sit in the fridge overnight, then get popped in the oven in the morning, without any thought.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1 inch thick
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, stir together brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Heat and stir until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves. Pour into a rectangular 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with half the pecans.
2. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining pecans.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour slowly over bread. Press lightly with the back of a large spoon to moisten all bread.
4. Stir together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle over bread. Cover and chill in refrigerator overnight.
5. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand ten minutes.
6. To serve, remove individual servings with a wide spatula and invert onto each plate.