Gran Marnier, cinnamon-kissed French toast, dusted with powdered sugar and served with maple syrup.

Gran Marnier French Toast

6 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/3 cup milk

1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur

1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 slices whole-wheat bread, preferably slightly stale

3 tablespoons butter for frying

Powdered sugar for dusting

Maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
2. In a large shallow baking dish whisk together eggs, orange juice, milk, liqueur, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add 4 bread slices and soak 2 minutes. Turn slices over and soak 2 minutes more. Transfer soaked bread slices to a plate and repeat procedure with remaining 4 bread slices.
3. In a large heavy skillet or griddle, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until foam subsides; cook half of coated bread slices until golden, about 3 minutes on each side.
4. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Cook remaining bread slices in same manner.
5. Dust French toast with powdered sugar and serve with syrup.

Makes 4 servings.