Stuffed French Toast with Grand Marnier Fruit Sauce

Yield: 3 cups Grand Marnier Fruit Sauce

Ingredients

French Toast

• 12 (1 1/2-inch thick) slices French bread
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup Half-and-Half
• 1/2 cup milk

Grand Marnier Fruit Sauce

• 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup Grand Marnier
• 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

French Toast

1. Make a horizontal pocket in each bread slice; set aside.
2. Combine cream cheese, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon, stirring well. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons mixture into each bread slice, spreading evenly. Place 8 slices in a buttered 13 x 9-inch baking dish and 4 slices in a buttered 8-inch square baking dish.
3. Combine eggs, Half-and-Half and milk; beat well. Pour over bread, turning slices to coat evenly.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes or until golden.
5. Serve immediately with Grand Marnier Fruit Sauce.

Grand Marnier Fruit Sauce

1. Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; add butter, stirring until smooth.
2. Add Grand Marnier and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add strawberries; cook for 1 minute.

Notes

To make ahead: Prepare, but do not bake. Cover up to 24 hours. Let stand 30 minutes, then bake.