Ingredients

12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries

2 c. red wine

Zest and juice of 2 large navel oranges, divided

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar, divided

3 large eggs

2 c. heavy cream

1 c. whole milk

1/2 c. cranberry juice

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. grated fresh nutmeg

1 loaf high-quality bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 8 (3/4"- to 1"-thick) slices

2 to 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

Powdered sugar, for serving

Preparation

Step 1In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook cranberries, wine, zest and juice of 1 orange, and 1 cup granulated sugar, mashing occasionally with a fork and adding water if compote tastes too sweet, until cranberries start to burst, about 10 minutes.Step 2In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, cranberry juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, zest and juice of 1 orange, and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar until incorporated. Place bread slices into egg mixture and turn to coat. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet.Step 3In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter until foaming subsides. Cook bread, turning once, until a nice browned sear starts to form, 2 to 3 minutes total. Repeat with remaining butter and bread. Step 4Divide French toast among plates. Top with cranberry compote and powdered sugar.

When coming up with a dish to make with the cranberries we got to harvest, the choice came to me pretty easily. In the early fall months when you check out your local grocery store, you might come across cranberry orange bread, a sweet, spice bread that tastes and smells of fresh orange zest, nutmeg, and cinnamon, with chunks of ruby red cranberries cooked into it. Inspired, I could only think of one thing to make: French toast! All the usual suspects are here in the batter, such as cinnamon, vanilla, and cream. But to add that taste I love from the cranberry bread, I added tons of fresh orange zest as well as the juice, and a splash of fresh cranberry juice to keep the theme going. On top I made a lovely red wine cranberry compote with the buoyant cranberries we picked. It’s sweet, decadent, tart, and citrusy, all the things we love in the fall. I hope you all enjoy this dish!