What to do when you live in a snow globe

This is the scene I encountered first thing this morning after a cheerful weekend spent with my Mom, Chris, and Nona:

Judging by the gossip we heard 'round the city regarding the mere possibility of snow over the weekend, my guess is that it doesn't snow much in Seattle. I, on the other hand, was thrilled to see what looked like a giant snow globe outside my window because it meant that I was going to be able to spend time in our kitchen. Besides, what's more appropriate on a blustery winter day than hot maple syrup served over buttery french toast?

I leaned on Molly Wizenberg's french toast recipe for the custard and my Nona for Hawaiian Sweet Bread, which is a lot like Challah only with a deep, rum-like fragrance. Because this bread is softer, I'd recommend either leaving it out to dry a bit and/or cutting the custard soaking time in half.

And don't fret about finding the bread - if my Mom can find it in Watertown, South Dakota something tells me it's easy to find elsewhere. I purchased this loaf in the bakery of my local Safeway.

Pure maple syrup is a must! Chris and I purchased this tin during a trip to Vancouver in the fall.

The powdered sugar seemed quite appropriate on a day like today...