Cherry Cheesecake French Toast

A Canadian Living Test Kitchen Recipe. Enjoy this convenient and delicious brunch item, or one of four other lip-smacking morning meals, from our "5 Diner-Style Breakfasts" menu from the May 2006 issue of Canadian Living. Diner-Style Garnish: Strawberries and melon wedges

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3  eggs
• 2⁄3 cup milk
• 2  tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  almond extract
• 1⁄3 cup light cream cheese, softened
• 1  tablespoon Amaretto or 1  tablespoon  orange juice
• 8  slices  egg bread (challah) or 8  slices  French bread (about 1/2 inch/1 cm thick)
• 1⁄3 cup  cherry jam
• 1⁄4 cup  toasted  slivered almonds (optional)
• 2  tablespoons icing sugar (optional)

Directions

1. In large shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half of the granulated sugar and the almond extract; set aside.
2. In small bowl, mix cheese, remaining granulated sugar and amaretto; spread over bread. Spread cherry jam over 4 of the slices; sandwich with remaining bread, cheese side down, pressing firmly.
3. Dip each sandwich into egg mixture, turning to soak. Place on greased rimmed baking sheet; pour any remaining egg mixture over top. Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.).
4. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven, turning once, until golden, 25 minutes. Sprinkle with almonds and icing sugar (if using).