Creme Brulee French Toast With Orange Blossom Water

In 'In the Kitchen with a Good Appetite' by Melissa Clark

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  cup  packed light brown sugar
• 8  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and still warm
• 2  large eggs, well beaten
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 2  tablespoons  freshly squeezed  orange juice
• 2  teaspoons  orange blossom water
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (10 ounce)  French baguettes, sliced diagonally, 1 inch thick (about 20 slices)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and butter until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Pour the mixture into a large rimmed baking sheet (about 11 x 17 inches).
4. In a pie pan or other shallow dish, combine the eggs, milk, orange juice, orange blossom water, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Coat both sides of the bread slices in the egg mixture, letting the bread soak up the custard for at least 15 minutes, then place them on the prepared baking sheet over the brown sugar mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops of the bread are golden brown and the sugar is bubbling.
7. Serve immediately while still hot, with the crunchy brown sugar side up, spooning more of the pan syrup over the tops.