Cinnamon Breakfast Toast with Orange-Rum Syrup

For Orange-Rum Syrup: Place water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, rum and orange zest in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, on medium-high heat until mixture thickens slightly and turns golden, about 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from heat; remove cinnamon stick and cloves. Keep warm or, if to be used later, allow to cool and pour into container; cover and refrigerate. Warm before serving. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

for Breakfast Toast: Whisk together evaporated milk, eggs, sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture into 13 x 9-inch pan or shallow dish. Place bread slices in milk mixture. Turn bread over to coat evenly.

Pour oil into large skillet to reach 1/8-inch up side. Heat over medium-high heat until oil is very hot. Fry bread slices until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over and heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Transfer to warmserving platter. Serve with warm Orange-Rum Syrup. Garnish with orange slices and mint leaves, if desired.