double-dipped challah french toast with warm poached orange syrup

I haven't made French toast in quite awhile and never have I made it with challah bread.  This makes all the difference.  The challah soaked up the eggs and cream, but still stayed light and airy.  The warm orange syrup was decadent with sectioned oranges and golden raisins.  I almost thought I was eating dessert.  My idea of French toast will never be the same.  Thick...golden...fluffy...mmmm....

~double-dipped challah french toast~ (recipe)

~warm poached orange syrup~

2 c. pure maple syrup

4 oranges, peeled & sectioned

zest of 1 small lemon

1/2 c. golden raisins

Warm the syrup in a saucepan over low heat.  Add orange sections, lemon zest, and raisins.  Simmer for 3 minutes.