Cinnamon-Raisin French Toast

From the L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa in Del Mar, California, this is a great French Toast. You will probably have to buy the cinnamon-raisin bread at a bakery to get the thick slices.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 7  large eggs
• 2 1⁄2 cups half-and-half
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1  tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6  slices  cinnamon raisin bread, 1 1/2-inch thick
• 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
•  maple syrup (optional)

Directions

1. Whisk first 6 ingredients in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
2. Add bread to egg mixture and let soak 20 minutes, pressing down occasionally.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F
4. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat.
5. Working in batches, add bread to skillet.
6. Cook until golden brown, turning once and adding more butter as needed, about 3 minutes.
7. Transfer to baking sheet.
8. Bake until bread puffs up and is firm in middle, about 30 minutes.
9. Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.