Instead of making French toast slice by slice, assemble it bread pudding-style the night before. When you wake up, slide the dish in a cold oven, turn it on (so the dish heats up without cracking), take your shower, dress for skiing, whatever. When you're done, breakfast will be ready.
03The next morning, remove the dish and slide it into a cold oven with the foil on. Turn oven on to 350 degrees F. After 25 minutes, gently pull off and discard the foil. Continue to bake until pudding is puffed and golden brown, about 20 more minutes.
04In the meantime, prepare the spiced pears: melt butter in a wide frying pan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat then add the pears. Stir until pears are coated well with butter, then sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, and a good pinch of fresh nutmeg; continue to cook about 3 minutes until pears begin to soften. Pour in 1/4 cup of maple syrup; cook until bubbly then remove from heat.
05To serve, spoon bread pudding onto plates and top with spiced pears. Pass additional maple syrup at the table.