Orange Pecan Stuffed French Toast

Are you looking for something *different* for your weekend breakfast.  We have some "standard" breakfast menus at our house that we love, but sometimes, I want something special.  This is one of our family's favorite breakfast treats.

Orange Pecan Stuffed French Toast

(perfect for breakfast in bed!)

Filling:                                                    Batter:

1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese                  4 eggs, beaten

1/3 C sugar                                           1 t vanilla extract

1/3 C toasted, chopped pecans        ¼ C milk

1 T orange zest                                    

1 large loaf french bread

2 T butter for the pan (not for the batter)

Blend the cream cheese , nuts, sugar, and 1 T orange zest in a medium mixing bowl and set aside.  Cut the French bread loaf into 1 inch slices.  Then, cut each slice again 2/3 through to form a pocket with a hinge of bread at the bottom.  Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture into each bread pocket and lightly press to close around the filling.  Set aside.

Whip eggs in a medium glass bowl with a fork, and then add vanilla and milk.  Stir again.  Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish or pie pan.  Briefly dip each filled bread pocket on both sides.

Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter.  Place the bread in the pan and fry on both sides until golden brown; about 5 minutes.

Syrup:

1 C pure maple syrup

¼ C toasted chopped pecans

1 T orange zest

In a hot medium sized pan, add all 3 ingredients.  Heat until bubbling.  Remove from heat and pour on top of each French toast pocket.

Enjoy!