Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 loaf challah bread, cut into 1 inch-thick slices
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup light brown sugar, plus more for sprinkling, divided
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Confectioners' sugar, garnish, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a flat dish, crack eggs and add milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined then lay challah slices in mixture to coat and absorb it all, turning occasionally.

Set a 10-inch skillet, seasoned cast iron if you have, over medium heat. Add the butter and 1 cup sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has melted and caramelized, about 8 minutes. While the sugar is melting, peel apples, core and cut into halves. Remove from heat and gently whisk in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the pecans, dried cranberries and gently press in the apple halves so there is a flat surface. Lay soaked slices of challah over the top so it is completely covered - you should be able to arrange the large slices and small slices so there are no gaps. Sprinkle the top with some brown sugar and place into the preheated oven. Bake in the middle of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and puffy.

When done, allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes then invert onto a large plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired, and serve.