• slice bread into one inch slices
• allow to dry out either over night or in oven set to 170 degrees
• heat electric griddle to 350 degrees or skillet on the stove to med heat
• in a shallow dish beat eggs and milk together
• add vanilla and orange zest
• grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray
• place bread slices into egg mixture and gently press down making sure that it absorbs the mixture for 30 seconds and flip to get the other side
• place on heated skillet and cook until golden brown on bottom, about 5 min., and flip to cook the other side
• continue until all pieces are cooked.
• I keep mine in a 170 degree oven to stay warm until all the pieces are done

Cranberry Syrup

• in a med sauce pan combine the simple syrup, leftover cranberries, brown sugar and water and heat over med high heat, stirring occasionally
• bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer
• cook until it is the desired thickness, about 5 min
• drizzle over the french toast and enjoy!