French toast Suzette

Instructions

• Slice baguette no thicker than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Arrange in a single layer in a 9x13-inch (3-L) baking dish. Or divide bread slices between 2 9x13-inch (3-L) baking dishes. In a medium-size bowl, whisk milk with eggs, juice, sugar, salt, vanilla and Grand Marnier, if using. Pour mixture over bread. Turn bread over to evenly coat both sides. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour but preferably overnight. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350F (180C). Heat 2 teaspoon (10 mL) butter in a large non-stick frying pan set over medium heat. When butter is bubbly, add bread, 2 to 6 slices at a time, depending on which bread is used. Do not crowd pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides, from 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from pan, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in oven, uncovered, to keep warm. Repeat until all slices are browned, adding more butter for each batch. If you like your french toast crusty, continue to bake until crisp and brown around edges, from 5 to 8 minutes total. Dust with icing sugar, if you like, and serve with warm maple syrup and berries, or a fruit compote.