Healthified Raspberry French Toast Bake

 

1

loaf (1 lb) soft French bread (about 18 inches long)

4

oz (half 8-oz package) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened

1/2

cup raspberry preserves

1

cup fat-free egg product

1

cup fat-free (skim) milk

1

tablespoon sugar

1/4

teaspoon salt

1

bag (10 oz) Cascadian Farm® frozen organic raspberries, thawed

1/4

cup sugar

2

teaspoons cornstarch

• 1 Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cut bread into 24 (3/4-inch-thick) slices. Spread 12 slices with cream cheese. Spread remaining bread slices with preserves; place over cream cheese to make 12 sandwiches. Arrange in baking dish, pressing together if necessary to fit.
• 2 In medium bowl, beat egg product, milk, 1 tablespoon sugar and the salt with wire whisk until blended. Pour over bread in dish. Let stand 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• 3 Heat oven to 400°F. Cover dish with foil; bake 10 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until golden brown.
• 4 Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, mix sauce ingredients until blended. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring frequently. Boil 30 seconds to 1 minute or just until thickened. Place strainer over medium bowl; pour raspberry mixture into strainer. Press mixture with back of spoon through strainer to remove seeds; discard seeds. Serve sauce over French toast.