Ingredients

• 1 day-old French bread loaf
• 6 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• Butter for cooking
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Berries for garnishing
• Maple syrup

Directions

1. Cut the French bread into diagonal slices ¾ inch thick.
2. In a shallow baking dish, arrange the bread slices in a single layer.
3. In a bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar and whisk until blended.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread and let stand for 1 to 2 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.
5. Turn the slices over and let the bread absorb the remaining liquid, 1 to 2 minutes more.
6. Preheat a griddle according to the manufacturer’s instructions and coat generously with butter.
7. When the griddle is hot, cook the bread in batches (do not overcrowd) until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the French toast to a warmed platter, dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with berries.
9. Serve immediately with maple syrup alongside.

Notes