In a mixing bowl, crack the four eggs and whisk them until fully combined. Add in the half-and-half or whole milk and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. To this, add your zest of orange, a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla essence, and, if you're feeling adventurous, the orange liqueur. Whisk it all together to create a cohesive custard base.

Slice the panettone into thick wedges. You don’t want them too thin; a thicker slice will hold up better during cooking. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Allow them to soak for at least 3 minutes, integrating the flavors.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter, letting it melt and coat the pan. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the soaked panettone slices into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You might need to do this in batches.

Once cooked, place the fantastic creations on a plate. Drizzle them with maple syrup. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream would add an elegant touch.