newjerseynewsroom.com

BY MARGARET MORGAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Whether you're tripping the light fantastic on the Rainbow Room's dance floor, counting down minutes in Times Square or just cuddled up cozily at home in front of a roaring fire with a glass of bubbly, this New Year's Day recipe is guaranteed to wow family members and friends at your New Year's Day breakfast or brunch. And, you can easily prepare the dish before your New Year's Eve festivities, then pop it into the oven on New Year's morning!

The aromas of oranges, baked bread pudding and bacon will waft through your home stirring the olfactory senses of everyone in the house.

Orange Marmalade French Toast Soufflé

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1 large French baguette, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) slices

Cooking spray

Orange & lemon marmalades to spread

2 3/4 cups milk

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

6 large eggs

Directions:

1. Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Arrange 12 bread slices, buttered side down, slightly overlapping in a single layer in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or casserole dish coated with cooking spray. Spread marmalades evenly over bread; top with remaining 12 bread slices, buttered side up.

2. Combine milk and next 4 ingredients (through eggs), stirring with a whisk. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until golden. (Optional is to sprinkle casserole with walnuts.)

4. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.