Scrumptious French Toast

1 loaf wide Italian bread
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese
8-oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup raisins (soaked in rum or orange juice for 1/2 hour)
4 eggs
2 cups milk
2 tbsp. grated orange peel
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
confectioners sugar

Slice Italian bread (2 days old ) into 1-in. slices. Discard ends. Slice large pocket in bottom of each slice.

Make stuffing with cream cheese (softened), cottage cheese, soaked raisins, and 1 tbsp. grated orange peel. Stuff bread using rounded knife.

At this point bread can be refrigerated, frozen, or used immediately.

Make batter using eggs and milk, 1 tbsp. orange peel, and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Generously butter skillet (electric skillet 375�F.), cover bread with batter and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until nicely browned.

Place on heated plate, sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Serve with Vermont maple syrup. Can be garnished with orange slices, grapes and
kiwis.

AUTHOR: DSredTX