No jokes, but I can't get enough of this food!

This overnight lemon blueberry French toast is a cherished recipe that takes me back to summer mornings on my grandparents' farm. The tangy lemon zest and sweet blueberries combine beautifully, creating a harmony that mirrors the lush, fruitful fields of the Midwest. This dish not only brings together the nostalgic flavors of childhood but also offers the modern convenience of being prepared the night before, making it perfect for those busy mornings when family gathers around the kitchen table.

This delightful French toast pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausages for a hearty breakfast, or enjoy it with a side of fresh fruit salad to complement the blueberries with a medley of colorful flavors. A cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk will round out this comforting morning feast, inviting everyone to take their time and savor each bite.

Servings: 6-8 servings

1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Arrange the bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping each other.

Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the bread slices.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and adding a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy that taste of tradition.

For a more decadent version, add a cream cheese layer by spreading softened cream cheese on the bread slices before arranging them in the dish. If you prefer a nutty flavor, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the egg mixture. You can also use other berries like raspberries or strawberries if blueberries aren't available. For a lighter, dairy-free option, substitute almond milk and coconut cream for the milk and heavy cream.