Cinnamon Bread French Toast

Serves 6 (enough egg mixture for 6 slices)

4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground nutmeg

6 slices of cinnamon swirled bread or other thick, day-old bread

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

berries for garnish (optional)

powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

With a hand-held mixer, blend eggs, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a medium-sized bowl.

Place bread in a shallow pan or baking dish large enough for you to arrange each bread slice in a single layer.   Pour egg mixture over bread and let it soak no longer than 10 minutes. Turn each slice over and soak another 10 minutes.

Portion both the butter and oil for the slices of bread and heat in a heavy pan or griddle over medium heat.   Fry first side of bread slices until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side (your time may vary depending on the thickness of the bread used and your personal preference of the custard texture in the bread). If you like your French toast a little more cooked in the middle, after the first turn gently score the fried side half-way through the bread with a butter knife.    Wipe skillet of spent butter/oil and repeat process for the remainder of the bread slices.

Sprinkle powdered sugar if desired and serve with warm syrup.