Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, and orange zest. Cut the crust off the top and bottom of the loaf with a serrated knife. Slice the loaf into 6 1-inch-thick rounds.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip 2 bread slices in the egg mixture and immediately lay them in the skillet. Cook, turning once, until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining slices of bread. Bake the toasts until warmed through and slightly puffed, about 8 to 10 minutes.

To serve, transfer the toasts to a large serving platter or plates and dust generously with confectioners' sugar. Serve with marinated berries or glazed apples and pears.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, vanilla bean and seeds, citrus zests, and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer very gently until syrupy, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the citrus juices. Combine the berries in a bowl. Strain the warm syrup over the berries and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Serve.

Yield: 6 servings

Peel, core, and cut both the apples and pears into 3/4-inch wedges. In a medium bowl toss the fruit with the lemon juice.

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon sticks and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add the fruit, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, shaking the pan frequently, until glazed, about 10 minutes. Raise the heat to high, add the orange juice, and cook until the fruit is easily pierced with a paring knife, about 1 minute more. If desired, add the Calvados. If cooking on a gas burner, carefully tip the pan toward the flame to flambe the alcohol; if cooking over an electric element, hold a long match near the mixture. Swirl the pan over the heat until the flame subsides. Serve warm.

Yield: 6 servings

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