Almond Crusted French Toast

Makes about 6 big slices
preheat oven to 350°f
1 Loaf Unsliced Bread (I used challah bread, but a good crusty bread works well too) cut into 1″ slices
2 Cups Cream or Half and Half
5 Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla or Almond Extract
1 Cup Sliced Almonds
Butter

Beat eggs, cream and vanilla together and put in a flat dish
Place bread into egg mixture and leave for 5 minutes
Turn bread and leave an additional 25 minutes
Put almonds on a plate large enough for a slice of bread, and press soaked bread slices into almonds on both sides

Melt 2TBL butter in large pan or griddle on medium heat
When bubbles subside put bread into pan, and reduce heat to low
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side

Add more butter for each new batch on griddle
You want enough heat to crisp up the outside, and brown the almonds, but low enough that you cook through the thick bread, and don’t burn the nuts
After each slice is browned on both sides put on a sheet pan lined with parchment, and bake for 10 minutes