Baked Banana 'French Toast' With Pecan Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 10 12 slices white sandwich bread cut in fourths, crusts trimmed
• 5 firm-ripe bananas peeled and cut in half lengthwise
• 1 dozen large eggs
• 2 cups half and half
• 1/4 cup banana liqueur* optional
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 recipe Pecan Sauce (recipe follows)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons bourbon or dark rum (optional)