Cherry French Toast Name: Aaron Vaughn Base: Dam Neck, VA Recipe: Cherry French Toast Ingredients: * 1 1/2 cup milk * 6 eggs * 1/8 cup maple syrup * 3 tablespoons sugar, divided * 1 tablespoon grated orange peel * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 8 slices (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1/2-inch) French bread * 4 cups pitted Northwest fresh sweet cherries, halved * 1/2 cup orange juice * Vanilla yogurt Directions: Combine the milk, eggs, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons sugar, orange peel and salt; mix well. Pour half of mixture into each of two 9-inch square baking dishes. Dip both sides of each slice of bread in milk mixture; arrange in the same baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Marinate the cherries in orange juice and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar overnight. Carefully transfer slices to a nonstick, buttered baking sheet using a large spatula; allow excess liquid to drip into pan used for soaking. Bake in a pre- heated 400 degrees F oven 15 to 18 minutes; turn slices over halfway through baking time. Top each slice with 1/2 cup cherries and a dollop of vanilla yogurt. Serve immediately.