Berry-Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients

• Berry Syrup:
• 2 cup(s) unsweetened berries
• 3/4 cup(s) packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoon(s) butter
• 1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• French Toast:
• 1 8-ounce package(s) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup(s) sour cream
• 18 slice(s) sourdough bread
• 1/2 cup(s) berry preserves
• 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup(s) half-and-half cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• Confectioners' sugar and additional berries, optional

Preparation

1. • For syrup, combine berries, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes or until syrup is desired consistency. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla; set aside.
2. • In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream. Spread about 3 tablespoons on each slice of bread. Combine preserves and vanilla; spread over cream cheese mixture on nine slices. Top with remaining bread, cream cheese side down, to make a sandwich.
3. • In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs, cream and cinnamon. Dip both sides of bread into egg mixture. Cook on a hot greased griddle for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
4. • Cut in half diagonally. If desired, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and garnish with berries. Serve with berry syrup.