CREAM CHEESE STUFFED FRENCH TOAST RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut each slice of bread in half.
• Beat eggs with milk and pinch of salt.
• In separate bowl, mash cheese until smooth with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla, adjusting to taste.
• Spread one-fourth of cheese filling evenly over four slices of bread.
• Top with unspread slices of bread to form half-sandwiches.
• Dip and soak each sandwich in egg-milk mixture, turning so both sides of each sandwich absorb liquid.
• Let excess drip off.
• Heat unsalted butter in 10 inch skillet, and when hot but not brown, add sandwiches.
• Reduce heat and fry slowly for 5 to 7 minutes, or until first side is golden.
• Turn and brown second side over low heat.
• If sandwiches fry too quickly, filling will not be warm.
• Serve immediately, allowing 2 halves to each portion.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar and top with sour cream and strawberries.

Steps:

• The night before, slice the baguette into 1 to 1 1/2-inch thick slices; you should get at least 12. Make a small slit on the bottom side of each slice to make a deep pocket for stuffing. you can do this when ready to cook, but it's best to let the bread sit out overnight.
• Just before cooking, in a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, nuts, dried fruit if using, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture, using a spoon to stuff it in each pocket.
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, half-and-half, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• When ready to cook, warm the oil and butter on a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Dip the stuffed baguette slices in the egg mixture for a few seconds so it coats evenly. Don't let them soak too long or they will become mushy. Transfer to the griddle and cook on each side until browned.
• Remove from the griddle and place on a serving plate. Garnish with a dusting of confectioners' sugar and sliced berries. Serve with your favorite syrup.