Orange Pecan French Toast

• I halved this recipe and made it for me and Matt this morning. I thought it turned out pretty good.
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• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 12 (3/4 inch thick) slices French bread
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 egg whites
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

1. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted butter, and corn syrup. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, and spread evenly. Sprinkle pecans over the sugar mixture. Arrange the bread slices in the bottom of the dish so they are in a snug single layer.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, egg whites, and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread, pressing on the bread slices to help absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C ). Remove the cover from the baking dish, and let stand for 20 minutes at room temperature.
4. Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.