YASMIN'S FRENCH TOAST RECIPE

FRENCH TOAST (SERVES 4)
3/4 cup half and half
3 eggs
2 T maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

4- 1-inch-thick slices bread, such as challah, brioche, preferably day-old
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons canola oil
Powdered sugar
Pure Maple syrup, ( preferably Grade A)
Whisk first 9 ingredients in medium bowl, cover and leave in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to use, place bread in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold bread slices in a single layer. Pour egg mixture over bread; soak only for a couple of minutes and turn slices over; soak 1 more minute until coated but make sure not to oversoak the slices ... Preheat the oven to 250°. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet, and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry half the bread slices until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to wire rack; place in oven while cooking remaining bread. Wipe skillet, and repeat with remaining butter, oil, and bread. Keep in oven until ready to serve. Sift a little powdered sugar over the French toast. Serve warm with maple syrup.