Almond French Toast

Slice French or Italian bread in about 3/4 in. thick slices. One Italian loaf will serve about 6 people. Using about 2 eggs per person, mix eggs, a little milk, about a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract in a large bowl. Dip bread in egg mixture and lay on a cookie sheet to soak for a few minutes. Arrange sliced almonds on each slice. Transfer to griddle, pressing almonds with the back of the spatula. When browned, turn over and grill till almonds are toasty. They will stick to the bread because of the egg mixture. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, confectioner’s sugar and serve with real maple syrup.