2 c. fresh orange juice
2 c. half & half
6 eggs
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tbsp. Grand Marnier
3/4 tsp. vanilla
1 (16 oz.) loaf day-old French bread, cut diagonally into 1 1/2 inch thick slices
10 tbsp. unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Warm maple syrup

1. Whisk first 6 ingredients in large shallow baking dish. Add bread and let soak 10 minutes. Turn bread over. Cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Melt 5 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1/2 of bread slices and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Keep warm in oven and repeat with remaining butter and bread.

3. Sift powdered sugar over toast. Serve, passing maple syrup separately. Serves 4 to 6.