Peach and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

I have decided that making breakfast/brunch food brings me the most joy! I love the soft, sweet and fruity in the morning kinda love. So whenever I can... I try to make a recipe a little healthier. With fresh peaches and strawberries and a fresh baked loaf from the farmer's market, I knew I had to create a masterpiece in the kitchen!

I found this recipe on the Internet and decided to spoil my family... the only thing I asked in return... Brent had to take the action shots below! Blogging about this makes me want to make some right now!

Strawberry Peach Stuffed French Toast

(adapted from http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/breakfastrecipe1/r/peachstuffrench.htm)

Ingredients:

•1 Large Ripe Peach, peeled and pit removed

•1 Pint Strawberries, stem removed and diced small

•4 Ounces Light Cream Cheese, soft

•1 Tablespoon Sugar

•1 Loaf of Brioche, Challah, or White Bread, unsliced

•3 Large Eggs

•1 1/4 Cups Skim Milk

•1 Tablespoon Sugar

•1 Teaspoon Vanilla

•1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Filling Cut one half of the peach into 1/4 inch slices and set aside for topping later. Dice the other half of the peach into small cubes (about 1/4"). Mash together with a fork or mixer the diced peach and strawberries, 1 Tbl sugar and cream cheese.

Cut the bread into 1 inch slices. Using a serrated knife, cut a pocket in the side of each slice of bread. Try to make the pocket as deep as possible without cutting through the other side.

Place 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket.

Batter In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and 1 Tbl sugar.

Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place two or three slices of bread in the batter and let soak for 5 seconds. Flip over and soak again for 5 seconds. Remove the bread from the batter and place on a plate. Let the bread stand for 1 minute so the batter can soak in. Add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.

Place the soaked bread into the hot pan. When you have all the slices in the pan, start soaking the next three pieces as described before.

Cook each side until a light golden brown.

Place on a cookie sheet or wire rack. When all the pieces have been fried, place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and top each serving with sliced peaches. Serve with maple syrup.

Ok folks... sorry I didn't calculate the calories here... it's a definite 'fresh food treat'.  Enjoy!