In a medium sauce pan melt butter. Add in packed brown sugar and stir until smooth. Pour mixture into an 18" x 13" x 1 1/2" jelly roll pan lined with parchment. Spread evenly in pan. NOTE: this step should be done quickly to prevent the mixture from hardening. Arrange bread slices in a layer to cover entire pan.
In a large bowl whisk eggs. Whisk in milk maple syrup, vanilla extract, orange extract and salt. Using a large spoon place mixture all over the bread until wet. NOTE: Do not dunk bread into egg mixture. Make sure to spoon mixture onto bread only. Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon all over the top of egg soaked bread.
NOTE: at this time you can refrigerate the partial french toast overnight and start the baking process the next morning , or allow to rest on counter top for 15 minutes before baking.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown on top.
Using 2 metal spatulas, turn over each piece of french toast and broil until tops are golden brown. NOTE: or you can preheat oven to 450-475 degrees instead of the broil function. Remove from oven and serve with your favorite syrup, berries, whipped topping, butter, powered sugar, etc. Enjoy.
