MASCARPONE-STUFFED FRENCH TOAST WITH TRIPLE BERRY TOPPING

I love making this delicious French toast for my family. With a creamy filling of mascarpone cheese and a sauce of mixed berries, it’s an easy-to-make breakfast treat that looks as if you spent all morning preparing it.

—PAMELA SHANK PARKERSBURG, WV



PREP: 20 MIN. • COOK: 10 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS (4 CUPS SAUCE)


1/2 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup water

1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened mixed berries

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries or blueberries

1 loaf (1 pound) challah or egg bread, cut into 12 slices

6 tablespoons mascarpone cheese

6 eggs

1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

3/4 cup 2% milk

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons butter

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in water. Stir in frozen berries. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in fresh berries.

2. On each of 6 bread slices, spread 1 tablespoon mascarpone to within 1/2 in. of edges. Top with remaining bread. In a large shallow bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, cinnamon and vanilla.

3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Dip both sides of sandwiches in the egg mixture, allowing each side to soak 2 minutes. Place three sandwiches in skillet; toast 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining butter and sandwiches. Serve with warm berry sauce.