Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

For the filling:8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. strawberry jam
1 Tbsp. orange zest (about half an orange)

For the French Toast:
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
juice of half an orange
8 slices, Texas Toast style bread (French bread works too, just cut thick slices-about an inch)

Preheat griddle. Combine filling ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

In wide, shallow dish, such as a pie tin, mix together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and orange juice and set aside.

With a pairing knife, slice a pocket into the top or side of the bread, but don't cut all the way through. Fill the pocket with about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.

Dip the filled bread in the egg mixture, and place on the griddle. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining slices.

Serve hot with additional strawberry cream cheese mixture and powdered sugar, if desired.

SOURCE: Adapted from Sandra Lee, Food Network