Chocolate and Strawberry Filled French Toast

2 (1-inch thick) diagonal slices of day-old French bread
1 1/2 ounces miniature chocolate chips
1/4 cup strawberry preserves
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
Grated zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash cinnamon

Cut through each slice of bread horizontally to form a pocket, not cutting all the way through. Stuff half of the chocolate chips and half of the strawberry preserves into each pocket along with one tablespoon of softened cream cheese.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Add the filled bread and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. In a heavy skillet or griddle, heat butter until the foam subsides. Add bread, turning frequently until crisp and golden. Transfer to heated places and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with MANDARIN ORANGE STRAWBERRY SAUCE (see recipe below).

MANDARIN ORANGE STRAWBERRY SAUCE

1 cup strawberry preserves
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup butter, melted

Combine all ingredients and stir over low heat until well blended.

Yield: 2 servings

AUTHOR: Jerseygirl