Savory French Toast and Sausage Bake

Ingredients

4 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 loaf brioche or challah bread, torn into large pieces
3 peaches, sliced into half moons 1/2-inch thick (if using unripe peaches, toss them in some sugar and lemon juice or use thawed, frozen ones)
3 tablespoons butter
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
A few grates fresh nutmeg

A pinch of cinnamon
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon orange marmalade
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and ground black pepper
4 oranges, rind removed and sliced into round discs
3 cups Bibb lettuce
1 jar maple syrup

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Preheat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add in the sliced andouille and cook until crisp and golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Generously butter a 9x13" casserole dish. Toss the andouille with the torn bread and sliced peaches, and place the mixture into the casserole dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, half-and-half, vanilla, nutmeg and salt, and whisk until blended. Pour over the bread and sausage mixture, making sure it's covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.

While the French toast is baking, mix the marmalade with Dijon, lemon zest and juice in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the EVOO in a slow and steady stream, whisking until combined. Season with salt and ground black pepper and toss in the orange slices and Bibb lettuce. Serve the salad alongside the baked French toast with the maple syrup passed at the table.