Baked Maple French Toast with Apple Topping

I used our own maple syrup and apples for this and it was wonderful!

6 thick slices of good quality bread ( I like egg bread or Italian)
4 eggs
1 3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Apple Topping
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 apples peeled and sliced
Pinch cinnamon
1 tbsp butter

Arrange bread in a single layer in buttered 13 x 9 inch baking dish, trimming if necessary. In a large bowl whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread. Cover several hours or overnight.

Bake uncovered in375 F oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed in centre.

Apple Topping: About 10 minutes before end of baking heat large skillet over medium high heat, add brown sugar and water, stirring until mixture comes to a simmer. Add apples and cinnamon, cook stirring constantly with spatula turning Apple slices over until tender but still firm. Stir in butter until melted and serve over French toast.