San Saba Pecan French Toast

4 eggs
2/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extraxt
1 (8 ounce) loaf Italian bread, cut into 1 inch slices
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup pecan pieces

With a wire whisk beat together the eggs, orange juice, milk, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla. Place the bread in a single layer in a casserole that just fits the slices. Pour the milk mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning once. Pour the melted butter on a jelly roll pan, spreading evenly. Arrange the soaked bread slices on the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle with the pecans. Bake at 400 degrees F until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with maple syrup and butter, if desired. Serves 4.