Apricot-Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup chopped dried apricot halves
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 (16-ounce) loaf Italian bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Apricot Syrup (optional)

Preparation

1. 1. Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. 2. Cut ends from bread. Cut bread into 6 slices; cut a pocket through top crust of each slice. Stuff each slice evenly with cream cheese mixture; place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch dish.
3. 3. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and vanilla; pour mixture over bread slices. Cover and chill 30 minutes, turning once.
4. 4. Cook bread slices on a lightly greased griddle over medium-high heat 3 minutes on all 4 sides or until golden. Serve with Apricot Syrup, if desired.