1 (12 oz.) loaf Italian or French bread
4 eggs
1 c. half and half
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
Confectioners' sugar

About 45 minutes before serving:

1. Cut bread crosswise into 16 slices. Arrange bread slices in 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch jelly roll pan, overlapping slices, if necessary.

2. In large bowl, with wire whisk, beat eggs with next 4 ingredients until blended. Pour mixture over bread in pan, turning slices occasionally to coat both sides and until all mixture is absorbed.

3. Preheat oven to 500°F. Grease 2 large cookie sheets. Place bread slices on cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until golden. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Makes 8 servings. About 225 calories per serving.