Texas style French toast

Texas style French toast

3 eggs
6 tablespoons half and half
1 tablespoon sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 3/4-inch-thick slices soft-crusted French bread or egg bread

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Warm maple syrup (optional)

Preparation
Beat eggs, half and half, sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and vanilla extract in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish to blend. Add bread and turn to coat. Cover and chill until bread absorbs egg mixture, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.

Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add bread and cook until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Combine powdered sugar with remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sift over toast. Serve with maple syrup, if desired.

you can also garnish with fresh fruit