Grand Marnier French Toast with Strawberries and Almonds

INGREDIENTS

eggs

1 1/2 cups

half-and-half

4 tbsp

sugar, divided

1/4 cup

Grand Marnier, plus 1 tablespoon, divided

1 1/2 tsp

pure vanilla extract

1/2 tbsp

grated orange zest

salt

large brioche loaf or challah, cut into 3/4-inch-wide slices

1/2 cup

sliced blanched almonds (optional)

1/2 pint

fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

4 tbsp

unsalted butter

Confectioners’ sugar, to serve

Maple syrup (optional)