1 baguette French or Cuban bread
6 lg. eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup Half & Half
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds
1 tsp. corn syrup (Karo)
maple syrup (real)

Start the day before serving. Cut bread into 1-inch slices. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan or a larger rectangular pan. Arrange bread slices slightly overlapping to fill pan completely.

In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well and pour over bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine butter, sugar, nuts and corn syrup. Mix well and spread evenly over bread. Bake 40 minutes or until puffed and golden.

Serve with maple syrup.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.