Baked French Toast

makes 2 individual servings

For each French toast portion:

2 large eggs

1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/8 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon orange zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

1/4 loaf challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (2 1/2 cups)

For each serving:

powdered sugar

maple syrup

1. Whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, orange zest, and orange juice.

2. Gently stir in the bread cubes until they are evenly coated in the custard mixture. Let the bread-custard mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the custard to fully soak in.

3. Lightly butter two 6-ounce ramekins. Spoon the bread-custard mixture into the two ramekins. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

4. In the morning, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake the French toast for 20-25 minutes.

5. Top each serving with powdered sugar and pure maple syrup.