Tower Cafe French Toast

(Depending on your appetite, this can make 4-8 servings. )

First, take one large loaf of French bread (it really is best if it’s slightly hard—day old is great!) and slice it on the diagonal to get big slices, about 1″ thick. You should be able to get about 8 slices from one loaf.

Next, mix the eggs and half-and-half in a large baking dish (I use a lasagna pan so I can soak all the bread at once). Whisk to combine. Add the vanilla (and orange peel if you want) and stir. It should look kind of like a custard mixture.

Take the slices of French bread and lay them in a single layer in the custard mixture. Move them around to get the first side nice and coated. Now, flip them all over and let them sit for at least 15 minutes. You want the bread to soak up all that lovely custard!

Heat a griddle or grill pan (you can use a saute pan too) to medium-high heat. Add lots of butter to coat the pan (about 1-2 tablespoons).

Place bread on heated pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side or until nice and golden brown. Flip and cook the other side again until golden brown.

Serve with your choice of toppings: butter and powdered sugar or syrup. Now sit back and enjoy your breakfast coma!