Spray 3 qt. Baking dish with non-stick pan coating. Arrange half bread in pan
In separate bowl, mix eggs, half & half, vanilla, sugar. Pour over the bread
In a separate bowl, combine filling ingredients (except optional fruit) together until creamy.
Pour filling over moistened bread, then layer with optional fruit if desired (Apple sauce, sliced fresh fruit, and berries) I never add the fruit. I serve fresh fruit as a separate dish.
Arrange half of the bread over the top of the filling and pour the rest of the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle top with dash of nutmeg. Cover and let stand in refrigerator over night.
Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. The easily serves 10 people. This recipe can be cut in half and freeze half for a later time.
Serve with warned maple syrup