First, you will want to make your berry topping. You can do this using frozen or fresh mixed berries (or berries of your choice). I prefer the flavor of mixed berries, and I like to use frozen ones so I can just have them on hand without them going bad. Also, the slight extra water from the defrosting berries makes the perfect syrup type consistency for your berry topping!

Use a 16 oz bag of frozen mixed berries (thawed or partially thawed). Put them in a mixing bowl, and pour the sugar over top. Use a hand potato masher to mash the berries and sugar together. The longer this sits at room temp, the more syrup like it will become. You can mash this intermittently while the berries are fully thawing out.

Next, you will want to mix together your french toast coating. In a medium mixing bowl, add the eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, vanilla extract and orange extract. Use a whisk to whisk together these ingredients until thoroughly mixed. You will want to keep your whisk handy so you can remix this in between batches of french toast dipping. The cinnamon can start to settle to the bottom.

Pre-heat a griddle to cook the french toast on. You can also do this stovetop in a large pan, but I really prefer the consistency and ease of a griddle, along with how many pieces are able to fit at once! You can also get griddle tops for your stove that are convenient and space savers. Just be sure to pay attention to your heat if using a stove top.

Give your individual slices of bread a quick dip on each side. I don't like to soak my bread pieces, that's what causes them to get heavy and soggy. Just drop in your bread slice, pick it up, flip it over and remove. This should be a very quick process. Don't let it soak!

Butter your skillet, or spray it with cooking spray (I prefer to use a stick of real butter and just run it over the surface of the griddle until it's coated with a thin layer of butter). Add your slice of coated bread to your griddle immediately after dipping it and repeat until your griddle is full. Cook each piece on 350°F for about 2-3 minutes for each side. Use a spatula to lift a corner and check the cooking side, it should be a golden brown color. Flip and repeat on the other side. Your griddle may have hot spots so be sure to check each piece to avoid over cooking.

Once you have finished cooking the french toast, plate your pieces of french toast. Butter them if you would like. Add the berry topping you created by spooning it over the top. If you really want to jazz up your french toast, add some whipped topping, ready whip, or powdered sugar sprinkled over top.