Blueberry Pecan Baked French Toast

Ingredients:

1 large loaf french bread

6 large eggs

3 cups whole milk

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, divided

1 cup pecans

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups blueberries

Directions:

Spray a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray.  Cut bread into 1 to 2" cubes and place in the dish.  In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and 1/2 cup brown sugar and pour evenly over bread.  Chill mixture, covered in the fridge overnight.  When ready to bake.  Preheat oven to 350.  In a skillet, saute pecans in 1 tablespoon of butter for a couple minutes.  Sprinkle pecans with salt.  Sprinkle pecans and blueberries evenly over bread mixture.  Next sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar over the top.  Next, cut the remaining 1/4 cup butter in small pieces and scatter it on top of the brown sugar.  Bake loosely covered with foil for about 50 to 60 minutes.  Uncover and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and the top is golden and bubbly.  Let rest a few minutes before serving.  Serve french toast with warm maple or blueberry syrup.