Cherry French Toast

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

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 400F 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.

Yield: 6 servings