Overnight Caramel French Toast

What is better than waking up to breakfast that is already  made?!  NOTHING my friend!  Nothing.  Well...as long as coffee is right beside it. Then, NOTHING!

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoons light karo syrup

12 slices bread

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon, divided

6 eggs

1 1/2 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Any type of chopped nuts; optional.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon together.  Set aside.

In a saucepan bring brown sugar, syrup, and butter just to a boil.  Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish.  Put 6 slices of bread on top of syrup mixture.  Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of bread.  Add remaining 6 slices of bread and sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.  In separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, vanilla, and remaining 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.  Pour over bread.  If you're adding chopped nuts, add them to the top. Refrigerate overnight.  Bake 35-40 minutes.  Sip coffee while it's baking.