Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Maple syrup
• 1 cup milk
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Dash salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Praline Topping, recipe follows