Gluten-Free Baked Berry French Toast

this is the non-gluten-free version (pre-baked photo)

When visiting my friend's family in Fresno, I like to take a couple of recipes with me on the off chance I can help by making a meal in exchange for their hospitality.  One of his parents has ciliac disease and spice allergies and the other is  hypo-glycemic...this creates a challenge in their household to find something they can all have that tastes good too.

Last month, I happened across this recipe from Whole Foods Market for Gluten-Free Baked French Toast that both fits the bill and can be tweaked for those without dietary constrictions.  It is super easy and very tasty.  It requires only 5-10 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes of hands free time. 

This treat is sweet, but not overly sweet.  I used Blue Agave Syrup en lieu of the organic maple syrup; it is lower on the glycemic index.  They had a maple flavor variety to more closely resemble the real thing.  Do not use skim milk as it waters it down too much.  I imagine you could try substituting some of the eggs for EggBeaters or using a few less yolks if needed.

If shooting for calorie control, this has all the flavor and only 280 calories per serving.  If making it with real syrup and regular bread...who cares?  You're in it for the goodness... calories and all!  Note to self: Alan, not having dietary constrictions, would have opted for the real thing. I recommend adding more nutmeg and some cinnamon.   If you are turning this into a less strict version, you can use Orowheat Country Buttermilk bread or a nice thick-sliced brioche.  If you want to really get your yummm on...top it with vanilla ice cream for dessert...oh yeah!

I think we need to add a label called "things that make you go yummmm!"

Enjoy!