The Hungry Bear Bistro at Chilhowee Bluff Inn, Sevierville, TN

Grand Marnier French Toast

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 6 Eggs
½ cup Orange Juice
1/3 cup Milk
¼ cup Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Cinnamon
8 slices Italian style Bread, 1" thick each
Butter for frying
2 Navel Oranges, peeled and segmented
2 large Bananas, peeled and sliced
8 large Strawberries, sliced
Confectioner's Sugar
1 recipe Grand Marnier Syrup (below)

Preparation: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Whisk eggs, orange juice, milk, Grand Marnier, brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Place bread slices in a baking dish and pour egg mixture over the bread. Let soak one minute; turn slices and soak at least 20 minutes or as long as overnight.

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Fry bread slices until golden brown on each side (they will not be done in the center). Place on a sheet pan in the oven to continue cooking. Repeat with the remaining bread slices. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until bread slices are puffy and golden.

Serving: Arrange 2 over-lapping slices of French Toast on a warm plate. Top with ¼ of each the orange segments, the banana, and the strawberries. Dust with confectioner's sugar. Serve with a side of Bacon or Sausage if desired. Serve hot Grand Marnier Syrup on the side.

Syrup: 6 oz. Orange Juice
½ cup granulated Sugar
2 Tblsp. Light Karo Syrup
3 Tblsp. Grand Marnier or Triple Sec

Blend all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
Cook for 15 minutes. Serve warm. Yields approx. 1 cup.