CHEDDAR FRENCH TOAST WITH DRIED FRUIT SYRUP

Cheddar French Toast with Dried Fruit Syrup image

My family loves this warm French toast on cold mornings in the North Carolina mountains where we take our yearly vacation. Each year, I alter the recipe slightly by experimenting with different dried fruits. -Jackie Lintz, Cocoa Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups maple syrup
1 package (8 ounces) dried fruit, diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
12 slices Italian or French bread (cut diagonally 1 inch thick)
1-1/3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the syrup, fruit and walnuts; cover and let stand overnight. , Cut a slit in the crust of each slice of bread to form a pocket. Stuff each pocket with 2 tablespoons cheese. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and salt; soak bread for 2 minutes per side. Cook on a greased hot griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with dried fruit syrup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 768 calories, Fat 20g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 179mg cholesterol, Sodium 877mg sodium, Carbohydrate 129g carbohydrate (56g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 22g protein.