Strawberry-Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Who doesn't love the sweetness of fresh fruit, especially strawberries with their breakfast!  This yummy recipe comes from Paula Deen's show, Paula's Best Dishes on the Food Network.  Her son's made this brunch specialty for their mother to show their appreciation for her.  I thought it would be a great recipe to share today since there will be quite a few people showing their appreciation for their significant other's on Valentines Day.  Enjoy!

From Paula's Best Dishes

Ingredients

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

8 ounces cream cheese

12 slices white bread

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Butter, for cooking

Maple syrup, for serving

Strawberry Syrup, for serving, recipe follows

Confectioners' sugar, for serving

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and granulated sugar. Spread the cream cheese on half of the bread slices and top with strawberries. Top with the remaining 6 bread slices and press around the edges to seal.

Melt butter on a griddle over medium-low heat. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup, Strawberry Syrup, or confectioners' sugar.

Strawberry Syrup:

3 cups sliced strawberries

1 cup granulated sugar

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the strawberries are soft and the syrup is thickened and reduced by 1/3 to 1/2 in volume, 15 to 18 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature before serving.

Cook's Note: If a thinner syrup is desired, strain the hot syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container and let cool.