West's Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients:

1 loaf French bread (homemade is best). cut into 1 inch slices

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 cup preserves (raspberries)

1 grated lemon peel

7 eggs

1 1/2 cups half & half

4 Tbsp granulated sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Sauce:

1/4 cup preserves (raspberry)

1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup half & half

Directions:

Cut a horizontal slit in the side of each bread slice, cutting to but not through the other side. Beat the cream cheese, preserves, and lemon peel in a bowl until well mixed. Spread about 2 tsps of mixture inside each slice. Place stuffed bread slices in the greased pan.

Beat remaining ingredients until well mixed. Pour egg mixture over bread slices, and turn sliced carefully to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes but no longer than 24 hrs. Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Uncover the french toast. Drizzle with the 1/2 cup melted butter. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Add sauce when ready to serve.

Sauce:

Mix preserves, powdered sugar, lemon juice, half & half. Whisk until well mixed. Pour over baked french toast and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serves 8-10 people.