Orange French Toast

6 eggs
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
peel of 1 orange, finely grated
12 slices French Bread, 3/4 inch thick

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add orange juice, milk, vanilla, salt, and orange peel. Mix well. Dip bread in egg mixture, turning to coat all sides. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pour any remaining egg mixture over the top. Turn slices to evenly distribute egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Fry pieces on buttered griddle or skillet until golden brown. Serve with orange syrup or maple syrup.

Orange Syrup:
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 cups orange juice
grated rind of a small orange

Whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Slowly add juice and rind. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Turn down temperature and simmer 2 minutes more. Mixture will thicken some. Remove from heat. Can be made ahead and reheated.

Yield: 6 servings