Oven-Baked Nutmeg French Toast

16 3/4” slices French bread                         1 tsp. nutmeg

8 eggs                                                               1 tsp. salt

2 C milk or half-and-half                              2/3 C butter

1/4 C sugar                                                     1 C chopped pecans

1/4 C orange juice                                        2 Tablespoons butter, melted

Arrange bread in a single layer in 9×13 baking dish. Whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, orange juice, vanilla, nutmeg and salt in a bowl. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread slices, turning to coat. Chill, covered, for 2-10 hours.

Heat 2/3 C butter in 10×15 baking pan in 400° oven until melted, tilting pan to ensure even coverage. Arrange bread in single layer. Bake for 25 minutes or until firm and golden brown.  Mix pecans, brown sugar & 2 T butter. Sprinkle over toast & broil 5 inches from heat for 1 minute or until bubbly. WATCH IT!  Serves 8.