Blackberry French Toast

Holidays are so hectic and I love to make brunch for the family. But sometimes it is hard to whip up a great brunch with no time.

But this dish fits the bill. Start with jam and heat over small saucepan for a couple of minutes to melt it.

Cut up a French bread loaf into medium size cubes. Place half of the bread cubes into a lightly greased 9 by 13 inch glass dish.

Cut up an 8 oz package of cream cheese into 1 inch cubes and put over the bread crumbs. Pour melted blackberry jam and pour over the cream cheese and bread. Top with the rest of the bread cubes.

In a small bowl, combine four eggs, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 t. each of cinnamon and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and chill overnight. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes, covered and then uncover and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bread is golden brown.

Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream or both. It is an easy dish to make and very elegant. Love this dish for anytime but especially the holidays.

Blackberry French Toast

Ingredients

1 cup blackberry jam

1 (12-oz.) French bread loaf, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes $

1 (8-oz.) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes $

4 large eggs $

2 cups half-and-half

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract $

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar $

Toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream