Using a wire whisk beat together the first 6 ingredients

Place the bread in a casserole that just fits the slices. Pour the mixture over the bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight turning once.

In a separate pan melt butter to form a thin layer in the bottom (approx. ½ stick). Arrange soaked slices on top of the layer of butter and top with pecans.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or just until  the bread “puff’s up”