Bourbon & Donuts French Toast Bake

My aunts have started coming to visit each year for my mom's birthday.  We catch up, play with the kids, sight see, and just enjoy being with family.  I usually prepare a lot of the meals so my mom can relax with her sisters.  Plus, having lived in the South for the past 19 years, I feel a certain obligation to provide guests with fabulous fare ;)  With that in mind, I created a divine and decadent breakfast...  Bourbon & Donuts French Toast Bake!  Warning, this is NOT one of my healthy alternatives, but it is delicious enough to splurge on at least once.

Bourbon & Donuts French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

 

1 dozen glazed donuts (preferably stale)
8 large eggs 

1 cup half-and-half

2 cups milk

3 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)

2 teaspoon bourbon
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

Dash salt

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup sliced almonds

Method:

Cut glazed donuts into 1inch pieces.  Arrange pieces in a buttered 9 by 13 inch baking dish.  In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat until blended but not too bubbly.  Pour milk mixture over the donut pieces, making sure all are covered.  Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Sprinkle the almonds and 2 tablespoons of sugar over the donut pieces.  Cut the butter into small cubes and place evenly over the top of the casserole.  Bake for 45 minutes until set in the middle and golden brown.  Serve warm with maple syrup.

I will warn you though, if you serve this to your guests, they may never leave!