Pecan Pie French Toast

The day before: Slice bread into 1" thick slices and leave out overnight to dry out. (Alternately, place bread on baking sheet and bake at 200º for 20 minutes, then let cool.)  Preheat oven to 350°. Place dried out bread into a 9”-x-13” baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pinch of salt. Pour custard over bread, tossing bread to coat as necessary.  In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add pecans and stir to coat.  Pour pecan mixture over bread and bake until golden and lightly toasted, 50 minutes.  Serve warm with maple syrup.