Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide the melted butter between two 9-by-11 inch baking dishes and grease the bottom of each dish. Set aside.

In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Beat in the orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and Grand Marnier, if desired.

Generously coat each bread slice with the egg mixture and place in the baking dishes in a single layer. Pour any remaining batter over the bread. Sprinkle the pecans over the bread slices. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. (The toast will brown on both sides without turning.)

To serve, arrange 2 to 3 slices on a plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh fruit. Serve with maple syrup.

Note: Marilyn Caswell prefers a non-sourdough French bread. She uses Franciscos thick-sliced Sesame French, available at many supermarkets.

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