Instructions: Whisk first 6 ingredients in 13- by 9- by 2-inch glass baking dish. Add bread to egg mixture and let soak 20 minutes, pressing down occasionally.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add bread to skillet. Cook until golden brown, turning once and adding more butter as needed, about 3 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet. Bake until bread puffs up and is firm in middle, about 30 minutes.

Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Comments: "I was married last spring, and my husband and I spent our honeymoon in Del Mar, California, at L"Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa," writes Leah Morgan of Shoreline, Washington. "While we were there, we enjoyed the cinnamon-raisin French toast. I would love to surprise my husband by re-creating this special breakfast at home."

You"ll need to buy unsliced bread from a bakery to make this super-thick French toast.

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