STRAWBERRY FILLED FRENCH TOAST

Upper Crusts: Fabulous Ways To Use Bread

If you have fond memories of cream cheese and jelly sandwiches, you will appreciate this deluxe version of French toast. And if not, perhaps this will entice you to start your own food memories. Any favorite flavor of jam can be used and served with matching fresh fruit if desired.
Serves 6.

Ingredients
• 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 12 slices of stale bread
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup butter


Directions
Preheat the oven to broil. Place the oven rack about 5 to 6 inches from the heat.
 
Spread the cream cheese on six of the bread slices then spread the jam over the cream cheese.

Top with the remaining bread, creating 6 "sandwiches." Cut each "sandwich" in half diagonally to form triangles.
In a pie pan or shallow bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Place the butter in a 10x15-inch baking pan and place under the broiler just until the butter melts.

Dip each of the "sandwiches" into the egg/milk mixture, turning to coat all sides.

Place in the baking pan and broil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Serve with fresh strawberries, maple syrup, or dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Variations could include:
Sweet: Cream cheese mixed with jam or fruit preserves; diced dried apricots and slivers of candied ginger; fresh sliced bananas mixed with a little honey; peanut butter and jelly for the kid in all of us; fresh fruit; and grated dark chocolate.
Savory: Add fresh or dried chopped herbs that complement your filling. Suggested fillings could be grated cheese, vegetarian sausage, and smoked salmon and cream cheese with chopped dill.