Strawberries and Cream Toast

Start preparation for this special French toast, stuffed with strawberries and cream cheese, the night before.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons frozen concentrated orange juice
1 pound loaf French bread
3 large eggs
3/4 cup half-and-half
3 tablespoons strawberry jam
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup strawberry jam
1/4 cup butter

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine chopped strawberries, softened cream cheese, and frozen concentrated orange juice in a bowl; stir until smooth.
2. Slice french bread into 1-inch slices and cut a pocket into each slice. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each pocket. Arrange the bread in a large shallow dish.
3. In a bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, and 3 tablespoons strawberry jam; pour mixture over the bread. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
4. Next morning: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil in a skillet. Brown the bread on both sides. Serve with 1/3 cup strawberry jam and 1/4 cup butter.

Makes 8 servings.