Almond Crusted French Toast With Fresh Cherry Sauce

Name: Almond Crusted French Toast With Fresh Cherry Sauce
Ingredients: 1 cup orange juice; 6 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 cup pitted cherries, halved; 1 tsp cointreau (orange liqueur), optional; 8 x Texas toast (thickly sliced challah bread works well too); 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cup whole or low-fat milk; 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract; zest of 1 large orange; 2 1/2 cup sliced almonds; butter, for griddle; confectioners sugar