French Toast Casserole

Ingredients: 

2 whole eggs 

2 egg whites

1 1/2 cups milk, (almond or soy

will also work)

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

9 slices whole-grain bread

For the filling:

3 cups finely diced, uncooked apple pieces

3 tbsp honey

1 tsp lemon juice

1/3 cup diced raw pecans

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Add the first 6 ingredients to a medium mixing bowl, whisk to combine. Lightly spray the inside of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or grease lightly with oil.

2. Add all the filling ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir to coat apple pieces; set aside.

3. Cut bread slices into triangles. Place one layer of bread (6 triangles) on the bottom of the cooker, add 1/4 of the filling and repeat until there are 3 layers of bread. Add the remaining filling to the top.

4. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or low for 4 hours, or until bread has soaked up the liquid.

Note: Drizzle with 100 per cent pure maple syrup if desired.

Bananas (diced) can be substituted for apples.