Best French Toast I've Ever Eaten

From Epicurious.com (Bon Appétit magazine)

Okay, here's what rocks about this french toast:
1. It's the best I've ever eaten - super custard-y and delicious
2. You do most of the work the night before
3. You bake it, so that you can chat with your guests not slave over a hot griddle

ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
12 3/4-inch-thick French bread slices
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

preparation

Spread butter over bottom of heavy large baking pan with 1-inch-high sides. Arrange bread slices in pan. Beat eggs, milk, sugar, syrup, vanilla and salt to blend in large bowl. Pour mixture over bread. Turn bread slices to coat. Cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake French bread 10 minutes. Turn bread over and continue baking until just golden, about 4 minutes longer. Transfer cooked toast to plates and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately

Plaigerizer: Air Supply Annie