Recipe(tried): Make-Ahead Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

Nicky, it would help to know how many will be in your "group" of guests. In the meantime, here is one idea. This recipe is one of my personal favorites. And, it can be made well in advance and baked the morning of your event. You could also make it with blackberry, blueberry etc. Not too long ago I tripled the recipe and gave this as a "morning of the funeral" gesture for some dear friends. They loved it.
__________________________

Make-Ahead Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Makes 10 slices

You'll need a loaf of French or Italian bread that's at least 16" long to get slices thick enough to hold the strawberry and cream cheese filling.

Filling
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla
1 cups sliced strawberries

French Toast
1 loaf day-old French or Italian bread
1 1/4 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon vanilla

To make the filling: In a medium bowl, stir the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the confectioners' sugar and almond extract or vanilla. Fold in the strawberries.

To make the French toast: Cut a small diagonal slice off each end of the bread and discard. Cut the bread diagonally into 10 thick slices. Cut a slit through the top crust of each slice to form a pocket. Divide the filling among the bread slices, stuffing each pocket with the cream-cheese mixture. Lay the slices in a 13" x 9" baking dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg substitute, milk, and vanilla. Slowly pour over the bread, then turn the slices to coat completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours.

Turn the slices at least once while soaking. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with no-stick spray. Place the bread slices about 1" apart on the sheet. Bake for 6 to 10 minutes per side, or until golden. Serve warm.

In a pinch, you can replace the confectioners' sugar with granulated sugar that has been powdered in a spice grinder or mini food processor.

Garnish your serving platter with fresh berries and sprigs of mint.

Note: After soaking, the stuffed French toast can be stored in resealable freezer bags and frozen for up to 1 month. Place the frozen French toast on a baking sheet coated with no-stick spray and bake at 375F for 15 to 20 minutes per side, or until golden.