Strawberry French Toast Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
• 10 eggs
• 2/3 cup half-and-half cream or heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• STRAWBERRY SAUCE:
• 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• Maple syrup, optional

Directions

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, strawberries and confectioners' sugar until blended. Spread about 2 tablespoons on one side of half the bread slices; top with remaining bread.
• Place sandwiches in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, cream and vanilla. Pour over bread. Turn each sandwich. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
• With a slotted spatula, transfer sandwiches to a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Discard any remaining egg mixture. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes; turn and bake 10 minutes longer or until golden brown.
• Meanwhile, for the sauce, combine the strawberries, sugar and water in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve French toast with strawberry sauce and maple syrup if desired. Yield: 10 servings.

Strawberry French Toast published in Quick Cooking May/June 2000, p12