CREAM CHEESE FRENCH TOAST

By nicolecluff

Ingredients

• 1 package (8oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 T. strawberry preserves
• 1 T. shredded orange zest
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 T. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 1/2 t. vanilla extract
• 8 slices Texas Toast-style bread
• Strawberry Syrup (I like this one of Erin’s)
• Butter
• Sliced fresh strawberries
• Powdered sugar (optional)
• 1 Decorating bag or small sandwich bag

Preparation

Step 1

In a small mixing bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, strawberry preserves and orange zest until smooth. Set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, orange juice concentrate and vanilla extract. Pour into a shallow bowl or pie plate. Set aside.

With a paring or serrated knife, very carefully slice a pocket into the side of each bread slice (do not cut all the way through the bread). It’s okay if you accidentally cut through the side of the bread a little, just do you best. Using a good quality bread and knife will make this task easier. Fill pocket with a heaping spoonful of cream cheese mixture. I have found that the easiest way to add the cream cheese mixture for me is to spoon it into a decorating bag (typically used for icing cupcakes) and insert it into the pocket that way. If you don’t have any decorating bags, a small hole cut in the bottom corner of a plastic sandwich bag should do the trick as well. If you have any leftover cream cheese, save it for later as a delicious smeare on bagels, crackers, etc!

Pull out your favorite griddle or skillet. Carefully dip filled bread in egg mixture and brown for 1-2 minutes per side or until cooked. Serve hot with butter, strawberry syrup, sliced fresh strawberries and powdered sugar. Makes 4 servings.