Creme Brulee French Toast

I've been slacking on the recipe front lately, I know.  Not that I'm a full time food blogger, but I usually contribute some recipes here and there, and more frequently than I have been.  Really, I haven't been that inspired to come up with anything new lately.  This french toast is one my mom introduced me to when I was visiting a few weeks ago.  I also made it for my friend Jen when she was visiting.  It's a great recipe to make for guests.  You can also halve it, which I did when Jen came.  Try it!

FYI, you make this the night before, so just be aware of that!

Creme Brulee French Toast

1 loaf of Challah bread

5 tablespoons butter or margarine or Earth Balance

5 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk (I used half 2%, half almond milk.  You can also use some heavy cream if you like it richer)

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons of corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 kosher salt

2 teaspoons of orange extract (or Grand Marnier or OJ)

powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

-Butter a 9x13 pan. 
-In a small pot, combine butter with brown sugar and corn syrup.  Stir til melted together.  Pour into the buttered pan.
-Cut the bread into 1/2 inch thick slices and then place the slices in the pan on top of the butter/sugar.  You can cut the bread in half, like puzzle pieces to fill the pan, if necessary.
-Mix eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, and extract with a whisk and pour over the bread slices.  Cover and refrigerate over night.
-In the morning, remove the dish and let it come to room temperature.
-Preheat oven to 350.
-Bake til golden, about 30-40 minutes.
-top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit.