Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons orange zest (from about 1/2 medium orange)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 (1/2-inch thick) slices whole grain bread or country white bread, preferably 1 day old
• 1 medium orange
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur or fresh orange juice
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (about 6 ounces) fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. For the toast: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, orange zest, and cinnamon together until smooth. Pour the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch casserole. Add the bread slices in a single layer. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes, turning once.
2. For the syrup: Peel the orange and remove the white pith. Using a paring knife, cut along the membrane on both sides of each segment. Free the segments and place in a small saucepan. Add the sugar, water, orange liqueur or orange juice, if using, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Remove the star anise pods and cinnamon stick and discard.
3. Preheat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter. Using a spatula, remove the bread slices from the egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drain. Cook until golden, about 3 minutes each side. Place on 4 serving plates and drizzle with the orange syrup and orange segments. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries and mint together and spoon on top of the French toast. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.