Lemon Blueberry Croissant French Toast Food

BAKED CROISSANT BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST WITH CRISPY PECANS

Steps:

• For the French toast: Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange the croissant halves in the baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half-and-half, nutmeg, vanilla, Grand Marnier, orange zest, 1/4 cup brown sugar, white sugar and salt. Pour this mixture over the croissants. Cover the baking dish and chill until all of the liquid is absorbed, at least 2 hours.
• For the topping: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a shallow baking pan, spread the pecans evenly and toast until fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss pecans with the 1 teaspoon butter and salt.
• Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the croissant mixture. Melt 1/4 cup butter with 1/4 cup brown sugar, stirring until the butter is melted. Drizzle this mixture over the baking dish and bake for 20 inutes, or until the liquid from the blueberries is bubbling.
• For the blueberry syrup: In a small saucepan, cook blueberries and maple syrup over moderate heat until berries have burst, about 3 minutes. Pour syrup through a sieve; stir in the lemon juice.
• Sprinkle the croissant French toast with toasted pecans. Serve with the syrup.

LEMON BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST BAKE

Steps:

• Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter.
• Add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whip on medium speed for 1 minute. With the mixer running, slowly pour in the maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla bean paste and whip until completely combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and reserve.
• Keep the rolls intact and slice across the equator to create 1 large top and 1 large bottom roll. Place the bottom roll in the baking dish, then spread with 2 tablespoons of the maple butter. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and half of the blueberries and top with the top roll.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the rolls. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil, then continue to bake until golden brown, about 10 more minutes.
• Arrange scoops of the maple butter on top and sprinkle with the bacon and remaining blueberries. Serve with additional maple syrup.