Pain Perdu (Cajun French Toast)

In a large bowl combine the half-and-half or milk, eggs, sugar or simple syrup , vanilla and nutmeg and mix thoroughly. Soak the slices of stale French bread in the custard mixture until they're thorougly soaked.Use a wide spatula to lift the slices carefully from the custard mixture as they will fall apart otherwise.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a heavy skillet and add the oil. When the butter and oil mixture is very hot, fry the soaked bread slices one or two at a time over medium heat on each side, until golden brown ( about 4 minutes per side to cook all the way through). Drain on paper towels and hold in a 200 F oven until all the slices are cooked.