Easy French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 2/3 cuppacked dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoonsbutter
• 2 tablespoonsdark corn syrup
• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups1% low-fat milk
• 1/2 cupegg substitute
• 1 teaspoonvanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoonsalt
• 1/8 teaspoongrated orange rind
• 2 large eggs
• 6 (1 1/2-inch-thick) slices French bread
• 6 tablespoonsfrozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur)
• 2 tablespoonsfinely chopped pecans, toasted

Preparation

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook 5 minutes or until bubbly and sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Pour sugar mixture into bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread mixture evenly over bottom of pan. Set aside; cool completely.

Combine milk and next 5 ingredients (through eggs) in a large shallow bowl; stir with a whisk. Dip 1 bread slice in milk mixture; arrange bread slice over sugar mixture in dish. Repeat procedure with remaining 5 bread slices. Pour any remaining egg mixture over bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

While casserole bakes, combine whipped topping and Grand Marnier. Place 1 bread slice, caramel side up, on each of 6 plates; top each serving with 1 tablespoon topping and 1 teaspoon pecans.