Grand Marnier French Toast - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 large eggs
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup Grand Marnier (or other orange-flavored liqueur) or 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon orange peel, grated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 French bread, sliced (3/4-inch-thick)
2 tablespoons butter
Condiments
2 tablespoons butter
powdered sugar
warm maple syrup

Preparation

Whisk first 6 ingredients to blend in medium bowl.
Dip each bread slice into egg mixture and arrange in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
Pour remaining egg mixture evenly over bread.
Let stand until egg mixture is absorbed, at least 20 minutes.
(Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.).
Place baking sheet in oven and preheat to 350\u00b0F.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat.
Add 4 bread slices to skillet and saute until cooked through and brown, about 3 minutes per side.
Place on baking sheet in oven to keep warm. Repeat cooking with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 4 bread slices.
Transfer French toast to 4 plates.
Sift powdered sugar over.
Serve with maple syrup.