Czech Žemlovka Apple French Toast

Step 1: Place raisins in a small bowl, pour over the water

Step 2: And soak for 20 minutes to rehydrate.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Step 4: In the meantime, grease an oven dish with 2 Tablespoons butter, and set aside.

Step 5: While the raisins are soaking

Step 6: Warm the milk over a low heat in a medium saucepan, then add the remaining butter, and stir until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 7: Peel and slice the apples, and place in a bowl with the lemon juice, making sure each slice is coated.

Step 8: Set aside.

Step 9: Add the eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to a mixing bowl, and beat until smooth.

Step 10: Stir in the milk and butter, and beat again for another minute or so, to thoroughly incorporate.

Step 11: Drain the raisins, and discard the water.

Step 12: Dip each slice of bread into the custard

Step 13: And place a layer (including crusts) on the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 14: Sprinkle the raisins over the bread, then a layer of cheese, and then arrange the slices of apple on top.

Step 15: Pour over the lemon juice.

Step 16: Next

Step 17: Add another layer of dipped bread, and pour any remaining custard over the top. Sprinkle over 2 Tablespoon of brown sugar.

Step 18: Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.