Ingredients
18 slices French bread baguette (about 1/2 inch thick)1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream1 cup white baking chips, chopped1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened1/2 cup 2% milk8 large eggs1/4 cup honey1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract1 teaspoon ground cinnamonTOPPING:1/2 cup butter, melted1/2 cup packed brown sugar3 tablespoons honey1 teaspoon ground cinnamon3/4 cup pistachios, toasted and finely chopped1/4 cup white baking chips, chopped
Preparation
Arrange bread in two shingled rows in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cream and baking chips. Microwave, covered, on high for 4-5 minutes or until chips are melted, stirring occasionally. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Whisk in eggs, honey, extract and cinnamon until blended. Stir in cream mixture; pour over bread. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°. Remove French toast from refrigerator while oven heats. For topping, in a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, honey and cinnamon. Stir in pistachios and baking chips. Sprinkle over bread slices.
Bake, covered, 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
