Grapefruit French Toast Casserole With Sweet ‘N’ Citrus Salsa

Ingredients

For Casserole:

  • About 8 thick slices of challah bread, cubed
  • 110 g spreadable cream cheese at room temperature
  • 250 ml milk
  • 125 ml Florida grapefruit juice
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 50 g packed brown sugar
  • 60 ml maple syrup

For Salsa:

  • 1 tablespoon grated Florida grapefruit rind
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
  • 2 Florida grapefruit
  • 2 Florida oranges
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Maple syrup
  • Icing sugar

Preparation

Grapefruit French Toast Casserole With Sweet ‘N’ Citrus Salsa

To prepare casserole, place bread in greased 28 x 18-centimetre (2.5 litre) baking dish.Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until softened.Beat in milk in steady drizzle, then grapefruit juice.Whisk in eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until combined.Pour over bread, pressing down to soak bread evenly.Sprinkle brown sugar and drizzle maple syrup over top.Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Meanwhile, to prepare salsa, grate rind from grapefruit and oranges.Cut peel and pith from grapefruit and oranges.With small sharp knife, cut grapefruit and orange sections away from membrane; cut each section in half crosswise.Place in serving bowl; sprinkle with grapefruit and orange rinds, brown sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon (if using).Refrigerate for up to 1 hour.Stir together gently just before serving.

Bake casserole in centre of oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 35 to 45 minutes or until it is golden brown and liquid is completely set.Let stand on rack for 5 minutes.Serve with salsa, additional maple syrup and a sprinkle of icing sugar.