Name: Pear-Stuffed French Vanilla Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 large pear, peeled and sliced (about 1-1/2 cups); 3/4 cup raisins; 4 cups cubed day-old French bread (1-1/2 inch pieces); 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans; 4 large eggs; 2 cups French vanilla ice cream, melted; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

My handyman, who is originally from Nicaragua, shared this classic breakfast dish his mother used to prepare. He says he makes it frequently for his children and they clean their plates! —Gail Borczyk, Boca Raton, Florida

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 large pear, peeled and sliced (about 1-1/2 cups)

3/4 cup raisins

4 cups cubed day-old French bread (1-1/2 inch pieces)

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

4 large eggs

2 cups French vanilla ice cream, melted

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1 In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and butter. Spread onto bottom of a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Layer with pear, raisins, bread cubes and pecans.

2 In a large bowl, whisk eggs, ice cream, cinnamon and vanilla until blended; pour over top. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight.

3 Preheat oven to 350°. Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.