- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- an 8- to 9-inch round loaf country-style bread
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.
- In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
- Preheat oven to 350° F. and bring bread to room temperature.
- Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Serve hot French toast immediately.