Method:

• Grease 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with shortening or cooking spray. Arrange 5 of the bread slices in baking dish, trimming to fit if necessary. Spoon apples evenly over bread; top with remaining 5 bread slices.
• In large bowl, beat eggs, half-and-half, 1/4 cup of the sugar and the vanilla until smooth. Slowly pour mixture over bread. In small bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, the pecans, 3 teaspoons of the cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of the nutmeg. Sprinkle over bread. Cover; refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
• Heat oven to 350°F. Bake French toast covered 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 35 to 45 minutes longer or until knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean and top is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, mix remaining 1 cup sugar, the flour, cider, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Add butter; cook and stir until melted. Cut French toast into 12 squares; serve with syrup.