Buttered Pecan French Toast with Bourbon Maple Sauce

Name: Buttered Pecan French Toast with Bourbon Maple Sauce
Ingredients: 1 heaping cup pecan halves, very coarsely chopped; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 5 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 8 thick slices brioche bread; 4 tablespoons clarified butter, for frying; 1 cup pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons bourbon; dash vanilla extract