♥ Stuffed-French-Toast

Makes 8 servings
Chef: mccormick.com (Website)

French toast stuffed with sweet cinnamon-spiced cream cheese and apricot preserves is the perfect brunch dish to greet your family on a weekend morning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract, divided
• 16 slices Italian bread (1/2-inch thick)
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves or jam
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  

1. Mix cream cheese, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla in small bowl until well blended. Spread 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture on each of 8 slices of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of preserves on each of the remaining 8 slices of bread. Press one each of the bread slices together to form 8 sandwiches.

2. Beat eggs with wire whisk in 13x9-inch baking dish. Stir in milk, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Dip sandwiches in egg mixture, soaking for 2 minutes on each side.

3. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in large nonstick skillet or griddle on medium-low heat. Place 4 of the sandwiches in skillet. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, melting remaining tablespoon butter in skillet. Serve French toast with maple syrup, if desired.

per serving

Calories: 398 | Fat: 18 g | Carbohydrates: 47 g | Cholesterol: 173 mg | Sodium: 496 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Protein: 12 g