French Bread Casserole

6 eggs
2 cups half-and-half
6 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. maple flavoring
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 loaf French bread
1/4 cup coconut, toasted
maple syrup to taste

Preparation:

Beat eggs thoroughly, then whip in the half-and-half and all other seasonings. Slice the bread loaf in one-inch slices along the diagonal. Tear the bread into small pieces and add to the liquid. Push the bread into the mixture with a spoon to insure that it absorbs as much of the moisture as possible.

Pour into a well-buttered 9-x 13-inch casserole dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, uncover and sprinkle with coconut and bake in a 375-degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until crispy on top. Drizzle with maple syrup.