1. In a small pot, combine the water with half of the sugar (1 cup), half of the vanilla extract, the cinnamon stick, and the piece of orange peel. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely. Strain out the solids and transfer to a heat safe container to cool.

2. In the same (now empty) small pot, combine the milk, remaining (1 cup) sugar, remaining vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk together over medium low heat until the sugar dissolves then transfer to a bowl or baking dish to cool.

3. Heat the oil in a pan on the stovetop over medium low heat. In a small bowl, beat the eggs until evenly combined.

4. Slice the bread into 1-2 inch thick slices. Add the slices of bread to the bowl with the milk mixture. Soak each slice on each side, making sure they absorb as much milk as possible.

5. Dip the soaked bread slices into the egg mixture on each side before gently adding to the hot oil.

6. Fry 2-3 slices of bread at a time on both sides until golden brown and crisp all over.

7. Arrange on a platter or individual plates before drizzling generously with the simple syrup.