Deck's Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

Fellas, pay attention to this one because this one is for you.  If you want to earn some brownie points, pull this one out.  It's perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other morning you want to be a little extra special.  This recipe is sure to please your wife, girlfriend, or girl you are interested in, and is incredibly easy to pull together.  It's not overly sweet, and surprisingly light.   This is the recipe I tried a week ago. I tweaked it a little bit and broke it out again this morning getting very favorable reviews.  And ladies, feel free to pass this on to your guy and tell him he can thank me later.

Deck's Strawberry Stuffed French Toast


Serves 2


Ingredients:

1 loaf Brioche bread (or some other soft, light bread such as French or even Challah)
1/3 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp milk
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Step 1:  Slice the break into about 1 inch wide slices (should be just wider than 2 slices of sandwich bread).  In the side of each slice, cut a slit that goes almost all the way through, and almost all the way end to end.  You basically want to create a pouch for the filling.

Step 2: Mix the cream cheese and jam together.  Then using a spoon or small, thin spatula, put half of the cream cheese mixture into each slice.  You want to try and get it as evenly distributed within the slice as possible.  Next add the fresh, diced strawberries to the slice, again using a spoon or spatula to distribute them throughout the pouch.

Step 3:  In a skillet or griddle, melt the butter slowly over medium heat.  While the butter is melting mix together the eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a bowl or shallow dish large enough for the entire slice to fit into.

Step 4:  Take the brown sugar and sprinkle on the outside of each slice.  Work the brown sugar into the bread with your fingers.  Flip each slice over and repeat.

Step 5:  Dip the slice of french toast into the egg mixture, coating it completely.  Flip it over and coat the other side.  Add to the skillet.  Repeat with the second slice.  Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until a nice golden brown.

Finishing: I like to serve this with some powdered sugar and additional sliced strawberries over the top.  You can add a flavored syrup or regular maple.  Cooking this in the butter will give it that nice butter flavor without having to add any later.