1. Heavily butter a 23 cm square baking dish. Fill dish with bread slices.
2. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. To make the topping: The next day, in a small bowl blend butter, brown sugar and maple syrup with a fork. Stir in pecans. Spread topping evenly over bread.
4. Bake, uncovered, in a preheated 350-degree oven until puffed and golden, about 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. from Anne Conidi, La Grange Park, Illinois