Caramel Apple Strata

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 3 large apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old cinnamon bread
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 10 eggs
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the apples, lemon juice, sugar and pie spice. Arrange half of the bread slices in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Spoon apples over bread; drizzle with half of the caramel sauce. Sprinkle with pecans; top with remaining bread.
• In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt and vanilla. Pour over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining caramel sauce.
• Remove strata from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
• In a small microwave-safe dish, microwave reserved sauce, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Drizzle over strata. Yield: 12 servings.