Strawberry-Cream Cheese French Toast in a New Light

Strawberry-Cream-Cheese
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  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Prep: 25 minutes
  • Cook: 20 minutes

Adapted from Paula’s original Strawberry-Cream Cheese French Toast recipe!

Ingredients

Strawberry Syrup
3cups strawberries, sliced
1/4cup sugar
1/2teaspoon fresh lemon zest, divided
2tablespoons fresh lemon juice
French Toast
2large eggs
1cup minus two tablespoons nonfat milk
1/2teaspoon vanilla extract
4ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
1/4cup fat-free ricotta
2teaspoons granulated sugar
12slices reduced calorie wheat bread, crusts trimmed if desired
1cup strawberries, sliced

Instructions

To prepare syrup (may be done up to 3 days ahead; store in refrigerator)

  1. In medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest, and the juice.
  2. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are soft and the syrup is thickened and reduced by 1/3 in volume, 12 – 15 minutes.
  3. Set aside and let cool to room temperature before serving. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.
  4. Cooks’ Note: If a thinner syrup is desired, strain the hot syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container and let cool.

To prepare the French toast

  1. In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla.
  2. In a small bowl, gently combine cream cheese, ricotta, sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest, just until blended. Spread on 6 bread slices and top with the sliced strawberries. Top with the remaining 6 bread slices and press around the edges to seal.
  3. Melt butter in the oil on a griddle over medium heat. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side, draining off the excess. Place in the skillet and cook until golden brown, 2 – 3 minutes per side.
  4. Serve with the strawberry syrup.
  5. Test Kitchen Tip: No time to make the syrup? Serve the sandwiches with pure maple syrup or a light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar instead.

Reprinted with permission by Diabetes in a New Light®, a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.

Nutritional Info *per serving

  • Calories 300
  • Fat 12 g
  • Saturated Fat 4.5 g
  • Cholesterol 90 mg
  • Sodium 310 mg
  • Carbohydrate 39 g
  • Fiber 4 g
  • Protein 13 g