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French Toast: Marmalade Stuffed with Orange Syrup

Source: Epicurious

Love, love, love this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of thick sliced French baguette bread OR 12 slices French or sour dough bread (we like Breadsmith)
  • 2 Tbls. butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 t. vanilla extract
  • ¼ t. nutmeg
  • ¼ t. ground cinnamon
  • 6 oz. low-fat cream cheese, softened (do not use whipped)
  • ¼ c. + 2 Tbls. marmalade jam (Smucker’s All Natural)

Orange Syrup

  • 1 c. white sugar
  • ½ c. water
  • ¾ c. orange juice (with a lot of pulp)
  • 1 Tbls. cornstarch
  • 2 Tbls. unsalted butter
  • 1 t. orange zest

Instructions

Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl and pour into a pie plate or use a shallow bowl that you can soak the bread slices. Set aside.

Filling: Mix cream cheese and marmalade in a small bowl. Set aside

If using French baguette, cut through the top crust of each bread slice and make 4-inch long by 2-inch deep pocket and place on a work surface (prep mat). Spoon a generous tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into each bread pocket.

If using slices of French bread from a loaf, lay out 6 slices of bread on a work surface (prep mat). Spread each slice with the cream cheese filling, dividing evenly. Top each piece with another slice of plain French bread. Cut each full “sandwich” in half.

Dip bread slices into egg mixture, coating completely.

Electric Skillet: Melt butter on an electric skillet over medium heat (350). Place bread slices on skillet and cook until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.

Stove top: Melt butter or margarine in a large Teflon coated fry pan over medium heat. Fry in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side. Keep warm in the oven (lay on a baking sheet) until all pieces have been cooked.

Serve with Orange Syrup

ORANGE SYRUP: Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; stir until sugar is dissolved.

Combine orange juice and cornstarch in a bowl and then pour into sugar water. Simmer gently until thick (6-8 minutes).

Add butter and stir until it melts.

Sprinkle with orange zest and serve warm.