Ingredients:

8 thick slices bread (a hearty white bread should work, about 1/2" slices)

1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed

4 eggs

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted plus extra for skillet

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Place bread on a wire rack or baking sheet and bake bread for 7- 8 minutes. Flip, then bake another 8 minutes. Remove from rack and let cool 5 minutes.

3. Whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended.

4. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Soak the bread in the mixture about 20 seconds per side, then transfer to a separate baking sheet, so it doesn't get soggy.

5. Lower oven temperature to 200F (to keep cooked French toast warm). Add butter to a skillet, and cook over low heat. Transfer slices of bread to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

6. Transfer toast to a baking sheet, and place in the oven. Repeat until all toast is cooked. Serve warm with butter, powdered sugar, and/or maple syrup.

Bon Appetit!