• 12 to 16 slices slightly stale French bread, or 8 slices regular bread
• 5 eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp brandy, or 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• grated rind of 1 large orange
• butter for frying
• warm pure maple syrup

Cooking Instructions:

1. Beat the eggs thoroughly in a large bowl. Add the milk, sugar, orange rind, cinnamon, and brandy, and mix well. Pour into a shallow dish like a pie plate if your bowl doesn’t have a good flat bottom.
2. Add a few slices of bread and let soak, turning occasionally, for at least 5 minutes if it’s French bread, or 2 minutes if it’s regular sliced bread.
3. Put a little butter in a large skillet and heat over medium heat until hot. It should sizzle when a drop of water is flicked on it. Fry the bread on bothsides until golden brown and piping hot.
4. Serve immediately.