Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with milk, sugar, and vanilla until well blended. Place panko in pie pan or shallow dish. Add the orange zest and cinnamon to the panko and stir to combine.

Dip each bread slice into egg mixture, thoroughly coating both sides; then coat both sides of bread slices with bread crumbs. Place on large wire rack.

Combine the butter and oil, pour onto a 17-1/4 x 11-1/2-inch jellyroll pan.

Place bread slices into pan, in single layer, turning over once to coat both sides of bread slices with butter mixture.

Bake at 400 for 15 minutes. Turn bread slices over and bake 10 minutes longer, or until golden brown. You want both sides to be nice an golden. You can always turn the slices again and cook a few more minutes if one side didn't get nice and golden.

While the french toast bakes, make the syrup by combining the brown sugar, cream, and corn syrup together and cook over medium low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is combined. Makes 6-8 servings.