BLUEBERRY STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• 1. NOTE: This recipe is for 2 servings. Incease ingredients for additional servings. I believe you could get same result using 2 thinner slices of bread per serving if you can not find an unsliced loaf. You just won't have a pocket to stuff.
• 2. Slice bread in to 1 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut a slit through the top crust of each slice to form a pocket. NOTE: I make my own bread in a bread machine. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/bread/bread-sweet-bread/rum-raisin-bread.html?p=1 The loaf is large, so I cut each piece in half to make two slices. I then start the slit at the cut edge of the bread (where I cut it in half) going almost down to crust on bottom edge to form a deep pocket. You can purchase whole loafs at your favorite bakery or Panera Bread Company makes their own bread.
• 3. In a small mixing bowl, mix cream cheese, 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar and 1/2 tablespoon orange zest until well combined. NOTE: this mixes easily by hand. No need to pull out the mixer. Gently stir in 1/4 cup blueberries. NOTE: When grating an orange or any other citrus fruit, be careful to not grate the white. The white part of the fruit is bitter.
• 4. Spoon cream cheese/blueberry mixture equally into bread pockets. NOTE: you may have a little of the mixture left over, enjoy a bite for yourself. Lay stuffed slices in a shallow dish using an appropriate size dish, not too large but large enough for your slices.
• 5. In a medium bowl; whisk togther the eggs, milk, vanilla, salt and 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar. Pour mixture evenly over bread. Let sit for 30 minutes; gently flipping bread to opposite side a few times until liquid is absorbed.
• 6. Coat a large skillet or griddle with cooking spray, oil, or butter; heat over medium heat. Add the stuffed bread and cook until nicely browned and crisp. NOTE: Turn several times to ensure you don't burn the bread. Cooking time was about 8 to 10 minutes.
• 7. If necessary, keep warm in a 170 degree oven until ready to serve.
• 8. SYRUP/TOPPING: Pour syrup into small sauce pan; add 1 tsp orange zest. Heat over medium until just until it begins to simmer; remove from heat and add 1/4 cup blueberries.
• 9. When ready to serve; sprinkle confectioner's sugar on top of toast and serve with the warm blueberry syrup and berries. ENJOY!