With wire whisk, beat first 6 ingredients together. Place bread slices in a single layer in a tight fitting casserole dish. Pour egg/milk mixture over the bread, cover and refrigerate overnight, turning once.
Preheat oven to 400. Pour melted butter in jelly roll pan. Arrange bread slices evenly in pan, sprinkle with nuts. Bake 20-25 minutes. The bread will be puffy and light golden. Serve with butter and syrup.
Since so many people ask for this recipe, I thought it would be easier to add it the our website! (hint: if you use a dark non-stick pan, bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Also the recipe can be doubled.)