6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
Juice of 1 medium orange (about 1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cognac (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar
Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Six 1-inch-thick slices bread, such as brioche,
preferably day-old
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pure maple syrup (optional)
1. Whisk together eggs, milk, juice, vanilla, cognac,
sugar, zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a
bowl; set aside.
2. Place bread in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold bread slices in a single layer.
Pour egg mixture over bread; soak 10 minutes. Turn slices over; soak 10 minutes more or until
soaked through.
3. Preheat oven to 200°. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet, and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons
butter and 2 tablespoons 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. Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.