Step 1
Cut bread loaf in 1/2 –inch thick slices and set aside.
Step 2
In a large, wide mixing bowl whisk together eggs with half and half, sugar, and vanilla.
Step 3
Press bread pieces into egg mixture until all the bread is in the mixture.
Step 4
Melt butter and oil together in a large saute pan over medium heat then pour 2 tablespoons of mixture into a small bowl.
Step 5
Pan fry all pieces of bread for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Add more of the butter and oil mixture as needed. Hold warm until ready to serve.
Whisk sugar, cornstarch, and juice together in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until mixture boils and thickens. Reduce heat, stir in the berries, and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes or until berries have burst. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Serving
Ladle 1/3 cup berry compote over each portion of French Toast.
Spice it up by adding up to 1 teaspoon cinnamon to egg mixture.