Stuffed French Toast With Strawberry Grand Marnier Food

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Add the jam and a pinch of salt and continue to beat until thoroughly combined. Using a paring knife, make a slit in each bread slice about 2 to 3 inches long and deep; this pocket will hold the filling. Using an offset spatula, divide and stuff the filling equally into the pockets, making sure it's not a big lump. Set aside.
• In a shallow dish, add the eggs, milk, vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix with a fork until combined. Dip the challah into the mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let sit and soak while you heat your butter.
• In a large nonstick skillet, add the butter and heat over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the challah, allowing any excess egg mixture to drip off, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Place the French toast on a serving dish. Serve with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk and garnished with strawberries.
• In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, orange zest and salt and whisk together. In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, orange juice, oil and 2 of the eggs.
• Add the wet to the flour mixture; stir to combine. Knead, either by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook on medium speed for 7 to 10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary (but resist any urge to add too much!), until you have a smooth and slightly sticky dough.
• Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature until doubled in size, about 2 hours. (Alternatively, chill the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before shaping.)
• Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Divide each into 3 logs and braid. Place on 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly apart. Cover loosely and let rise 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the loaves with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake until they are golden and have an internal temperature of 190 degrees F; begin checking for doneness at 18 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly and enjoy. (Challah is best eaten within 24 hours. After that it's ok if you toast it or use it for French toast. It also freezes well!)

STRAWBERRY AND BANANA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST WITH GRAND MARNIER SYRUP

Steps:

• For the macerated strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and 1/4 cup water and stir. Bring to a simmer, and then lower the heat and swirl. Cook until the strawberries are soft (but not falling apart) and the liquid is syrupy, 7 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• For the Grand Marnier syrup: Combine the Grand Marnier, sugar, orange zest, orange juice and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
• For the strawberry and banana stuffed French toast: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Stir the cream cheese to soften, and then spread on 6 of the bread slices. Top each slice with a layer of the strawberries. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on the other 6 pieces of bread, and top each slice with a layer of the bananas. Place each bread slice with strawberries together with a bread slice with bananas to form 6 sandwiches. Press around the edges to seal.
• Melt the butter in a nonstick saute pan (or flat griddle top) over medium-low heat. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side, allowing any excess to drain off, and then place in the pan. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve topped with the macerated strawberries, whipped cream, toasted almond slivers and a good dusting of confectioners' sugar. Drizzle with the Grand Marnier syrup.

CHOCOLATE MASCARPONE STUFFED FRENCH TOAST WITH STRAWBERRY SYRUP

Steps:

• Cook's Note: Mascarpone is similar to cream cheese in flavor (but better) and has the consistency to match. It makes a great base for this super-easy yummy filling.
• Combine the mascarpone, heavy cream, orange zest and sugar in a bowl. Add the melted chocolate and mix until all the ingredients are incorporated. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, take a generous scoop of the chocolate-mascarpone filling, about 2 tablespoons, and slather it on 1 slice of the brioche, and then top with another slice of brioche. Repeat with the remaining slices and filling; you will make 6 sandwiches.
• In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half to make an egg bath. (If you don't have half-and-half, milk or heavy cream will work just fine.)
• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Preheat a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet, moving it around to coat the surface. Dip each sandwich in the egg bath, turning over to coat and soak both sides. Place the sandwich on the hot griddle. (Place only as many sandwiches as will fit easily on the griddle, don't overcrowd.) Cook, in batches, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the sandwiches to an oven-safe platter and cover loosely with foil. Place in the oven to keep warm. Add more butter to the griddle, as necessary, and cook the remaining sandwiches.
• Cut the sandwiches diagonally in half, and serve 2 to 3 halves per person. Dust the sandwich with confectioners' sugar and grate chocolate over the top. Ladle a generous portion of the Strawberry Syrup over the sandwiches, or serve alongside for your guests to serve themselves.
• In a large saucepan over high heat, add the strawberries and sugar. (A large saucepan is needed just in case the strawberry syrup starts to boil up the sides.) If the strawberries are not as ripe or sweet as you like, add 1/3 cup more sugar. Add 2/3 cup water, the corn syrup and sea salt to the pan. Stir together until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Strain out the strawberries and continue to boil the liquid until the mixture has thickened to a syrupy consistency, another 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and add the strawberries back to the saucepan. Gently stir to coat the strawberries in the syrup. (The syrup can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or cooled and frozen.)
• Cook's Note: For an orange-lover's option, use fresh orange juice instead of the lemon juice to finish the syrup. Alternately, for a rich, adult-friendly sauce, add a splash of orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier, to the sauce. Although the alcohol won't completely cook out, most will if cooked a few minutes longer. Yield: 3 1/2 cups

GRAND MARNIER FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Whisk first 6 ingredients to blend in medium bowl.
• Dip each bread slice into egg mixture and arrange in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.
• Pour remaining egg mixture evenly over bread.
• Let stand until egg mixture is absorbed, at least 20 minutes.
• (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.).
• Place baking sheet in oven and preheat to 350°F.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat.
• Add 4 bread slices to skillet and sauté until cooked through and brown, about 3 minutes per side.
• Place on baking sheet in oven to keep warm. Repeat cooking with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 4 bread slices.
• Transfer French toast to 4 plates.
• Sift powdered sugar over.
• Serve with maple syrup.

STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Batter:
• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well until incorporated. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
• Filling:
• Fold all ingredients together in a bowl until well incorporated but not completely smooth.
• Syrup:
• Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and let reduce by 1/3.
• French Toast:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Heat a large saute pan and then add butter. Dredge the bread in the batter and place in the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool. Divide filling between 2 pieces of the bread top with the remaining 2 pieces of bread. Transfer French toast to oven and bake for 8 minutes.
• Cut each French toast in half and serve with the cinnamon syrup and, if desired, a large scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

GRILLED GRAND MARNIER FRENCH TOAST WITH STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, and liqueur. Let stand 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Set up grill for direct cooking over medium heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, liqueur, and sugar. Coat each slice of bread on both sides with egg mixture. Place coated bread slices on hot oiled grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• To serve, place 1 piece of French toast on plate. Top with strawberries and whipped topping. Add another slice of French toast and repeat.
• INDOOR: Prepare bread slices as directed. Melt 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter on a hot griddle (over medium-high heat). Cook prepared bread slices until golden brown on both sides. Serve as directed.

STRAWBERRY STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese with the honey and strawberries, set aside.
• In a large shallow bowl, add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt and whisk to combine.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture on 6 slices of brioche, then seal with the other 6 slices.
• Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add ½ tablespoon butter to the skillet.
• Dip the stuffed brioche in the egg and milk mixture, dredging them well on both sides so they are coated in the batter. Immediately transfer from the bowl to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until edges become golden brown, then flip and cook on the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Repeat for the remaining 5.
• Remove from heat and serve with extra strawberries and maple syrup and powdered sugar, if desired.

STUFFED FRENCH TOAST WITH STRAWBERRY GRAND MARNIER

Steps:

• Cut French bread into 8-10 1-inch thick slices.
• Make a slit in the crust of each slice.
• Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, cream cheese and sugar.
• Spoon cream cheese mixture into slits of bread.
• Whisk eggs and half-and-half together.
• Dip each slice of bread into egg mixture and place in well-greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
• Pour remaining egg mixture over all and soak overnight.
• Bake at 350 degrees 35 minutes or until golden and puffed.
• Serve with Strawberry Grand Marnier Sauce.
• Strawberry Grand Marnier Sauce:.
• 1/3 cup butter - melted.
• 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar.
• 1 tablespoons corn starch.
• 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier (Orange juice may be substituted).
• 2 Cups Strawberries - sliced.
• Melt butter in skillet; slowly add powdered sugar, cornstarch and Grand Marnier and allow mixture to thicken over low heat.
• Add strawberries at last minute.
• Spoon small amount of mixture over each piece of French toast.

FRENCH TOAST FILLED WITH STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, strawberry preserves, and orange zest until smooth. Set aside.
• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and orange liqueur. Pour into a shallow bowl, such as a pie plate. Set aside.
• With a pairing knife, slice a pocket into the side of the bread. Do not cut all of the way through the bread. Fill bread slices with a heaping spoonful of cream cheese mixture.
• In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Dip the filled bread in the egg mixture and place in the skillet to brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining slices.
• Serve hot with additional Strawberry Cream Cheese on the side.
• Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse to combine.

GRAND MARNIER FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Whisk first 6 ingredients to blend in medium bowl. Dip each bread slice into egg mixture and arrange in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour remaining egg mixture evenly over bread. Let stand until egg mixture is absorbed, at least 20 minutes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Place baking sheet in oven and preheat to 350&F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 bread slices to skillet and saut&until cooked through and brown, about 3 minutes per side. Place on baking sheet in oven to keep warm. Repeat cooking with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 4 bread slices. Transfer French toast to 4 plates. Sift powdered sugar over. Serve with maple syrup.

GRAND MARNIER FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Whisk together all the ingredients except the bread. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
• Slice bread at a slight angel about 1 inch thick.
• Heat large skillet to med heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
• Dip bread into egg mixture for approxamatly 30 seconds or until the egg mixture just soaks through.
• Place the bread pieces into the hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until very golden brown on both sides.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and your choice of syrup.

STRAWBERRY GRAND MARNIER CAKE

Steps:

• GOLDEN CAKE:.
• Preheat oven to 375°F Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with waxed or parchment paper. Grease paper.
• In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt.
• Beat sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add vanilla.
• Add flour and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour, mixing on low speed.
• Bake in prepared pans for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; invert onto cooling rack. Cool completely.
• GRAN MARNIER BRUSHING SYRUP.
• Stir together sugar and water. Bring to boil. Set aside. Cool. Add Grand Marnier.
• Using a pastry brush, soak cake thoroughly, at least twice with this syrup.
• WHITE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING.
• Cream butter and shortening with mixer.
• Add vanilla.
• Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating on medium speed.
• Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often.
• When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk or water and beat at medium speed until ready to use.
• FOR ASSEMBLY.
• Place one golden cake down.
• Spread a layer of Smucker's Strawberry Preserves on cake.
• Spread layer of buttercream icing on top of preserves.
• Add second cake layer on top.
• Frost with remaining buttercream frosting.
• Decorate as desired.