Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon lightly packed orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 (1-inch thick) slices sweet batard or brioche
• 3 or 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
• Honeyed Strawberries, recipe follows
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds removed
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled, and halved lengthwise

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, orange zest, vanilla, cardamom, and salt until eggs are broken up and evenly combined. Soak 3 bread slices in egg mixture turning once, until soaked through, about 4 minutes total.
2. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When butter foams, place 3 pieces soaked bread in the pan and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining bread. Serve topped with Honeyed Strawberries.
3. Mix honey, vanilla, and orange juice together in a medium bowl until honey is dissolved. Add strawberries, stir to coat, and let sit until berries give off their juices, at least 5 minutes. Stir briefly before using.