Baked French Toast With Cherry Topping

Combine milk, eggs, maple syrup, two tablespoons of the sugar, orange peel and salt. Pour half of the 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 halved cherries in orange juice and remaining tablespoon of sugar overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature for best flavor next day, an hour before serving.

About a half hour before ready to serve, preheat oven to 400 degrees F, rack set in center. Carefully transfer the soaked French bread slices to a nonstick, buttered baking sheet using a large spatula. Allow excess liquid to drip into pan used for soaking. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Turn slices over halfway through baking time.

Top each slice with 1/2 cup of the orange marinated cherries and a dollop of vanilla yogurt.