Cherry Cheese French Toast
Serves: 8Ingredients:
- 12 cups Day old Italian bread (cubed 1/2 inch squares)
- 8 oz Cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (or cherries)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans
- 2 cups Half and Half
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 4 Eggs
- 14 oz Sour cherries (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
Steps:
- Grease a 13 x 9 in baking pan; put 8 cups bread in pan.
In mixing bowl beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp. almond extract until smooth. Add cranberries and pecans. Drop by spoonfuls over bread cubes. Mixture will be thick.
- In mixing bowl beat eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, milk, and cinnamon and pour over bread. Bake uncovered at 350 for 35-40 min or until browned. Top with remaining bread cubes. Let stand 5 min before serving.
- Cherry Sauce- Combine cherries, 1 cup sugar, and corn syrup in saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/2 tsp. almond extract. Serve warm. (Sauce is thin). I cut 4x4" or 5x5" squares and pour a little cherry sauce over top to serve. Place the remaining sauce in a small serving bowl with ladle.