Combine eggs and next 5 ingredients, stirring well.
Fit bread slices in single layer into a lightly greased 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish. Pour egg mixture over bread slices; cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight, turning bread once.
Pour butter in a 15" x l0" x l" pan; place bread slices in a single layer in pan.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes; sprinkle with nuts. Bake 10 additional minutes. Garnish, if desired, and serve immediately with maple syrup.
Yield: 6 servings.