Hearty French Toast

Name: Hearty French Toast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 24 slices day-old French bread (3/4 inch thick); 12 thin slices fully cooked ham; 12 thin slices cooked turkey; 1 to 2 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 12 thin slices provolone cheese; 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; APPLE CRANBERRY SAUCE:; 1-1/2 cups cranberry juice; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 medium tart apple, peeled and finely chopped

"Since you make it ahead, this dish is wonderful for brunch," reports Page Alexander of Baldwin City, Kansas.

Ingredients

24 slices day-old French bread (3/4 inch thick)
12 thin slices fully cooked ham
12 thin slices cooked turkey
1 to 2 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
12 thin slices provolone cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
APPLE CRANBERRY SAUCE:
1-1/2 cups cranberry juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 medium tart apple, peeled and finely chopped

Directions

Place half of the bread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top each with a slice of ham, turkey, two to three apple slices and a piece of cheese (cut or fold meat and cheese to fit). Top with remaining bread.
In a bowl, beat eggs, milk and nutmeg; pour over bread. Cover and chill 6 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the first five sauce ingredients; cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Stir in apple. Serve warm over French toast.