PANETTONE FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE RECIPES

Steps:

• Grease a 2 1/2- to 3-quart casserole dish with butter; set aside.
• Cut the panettone into 1-inch-thick slices (you should get about 5 or 6); if you have an odd number of slices, cut one in half. Spread the jam on half the slices. Spread the cream cheese on the other half. Press 1 slice of each together to form sandwiches. Cut the sandwiches into 1-inch squares, and arrange haphazardly in the prepared dish. (Don't worry; this can be a little messy. If the sandwich pieces come apart, just spread them out to fill in the spaces evenly. There's no need to re-form the pieces into sandwich squares.)
• Whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl until combined. Pour evenly over the panettone in the dish. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours up to overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap from the dish, and push down on the casserole. Sprinkle the almonds on top. Bake until puffed and golden brown and the custard is set (the center of the casserole will feel firm when touched), about 1 hour 10 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil. Let cool for 20 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature with a dusting of confectioner's sugar.

Steps:

• To make the syrup: Combine 1 cup of water and brown sugar in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Boil until the syrup reduces to 1 cup, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cream and cinnamon. Keep the syrup warm. (The syrup can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving.)
• Meanwhile, prepare the French toast: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Trim the bottom crust of the panettone. Starting at the bottom end of the panettone, cut it crosswise into 6 (3/4-inch thick) round slices (reserve the top piece for toast!). In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. Add the cream, milk, and sugar and whisk until well mixed. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on a large nonstick griddle over medium heat. Dip 3 slices of panettone into the custard, turning to allow both sides to absorb the custard. Grill the soaked panettone slices until they are golden brown and firm to the touch, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the French toast to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining butter, panettone slices, and custard.
• Transfer the French toast to plates. Dollop the mascarpone atop each. Lightly dust with the powdered sugar. Drizzle the cinnamon syrup over and around the French toast and serve immediately.