Apple-cinnamon baked french toast

1       lb           Loaf French bread
                        Nonstick cooking spray
   8       lg           Eggs -- slightly beaten
   3 1/2   c            Skim milk
   1       c            Sugar -- divided
   1       tb           vanilla extract
   6       md           Apples -- peel/core/thin slice
   3       ts           Ground cinnamon
   1       t            Ground nutmeg
   1       tb           butter

  1. Slice bread into 1 1/2-inch slices. Coat a
  9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and
  tightly pack bread into pan.
  
  2. In a large bowl, stir together eggs, milk,  1/2 cup
  sugar and the vanilla. Pour half of the egg mixture
  over the bread slices.
  
  3. Evenly distribute apple slices over bread. Top with
  remaining  egg mixture.
  
  4. In a small bowl combine remaining  1/2 cup sugar,
  the cinnamon  and nutmeg. Sprinkle over apples. Dot
  with butter. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  
  5. The next day, uncover pan and bake in a preheated
  350-degree oven for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let
  stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve
  warm.
  
  from Joseph Stefanic, Oak Park, Illinois
  
  Source: Chicago Sun Times, August 7, 1996