by Leslee Stewart

For the holidays, we often have overnight guests. I love to treat my visitors to a yummy breakfast while they're here. The recipe below is always a hit, especially when paired with scrambled eggs, sausage and fresh fruit. And the best part is you can make it ahead of time.

One-Dish Blackberry French Toast
Makes 8-10 servings

1 cup blackberry jam
1 (12 oz.) French bread loaf, cut into 1½ inch cubes
1 (8 oz.) package low-fat cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
4 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
Toppings: warm maple syrup, chopped pecans, whipped cream

1. Cook jam in a small saucepan over medium heat 1-2 minutes until melted and smooth, stirring once.


2. Place half of bread cubes in bottom of lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top
   with cream cheese cubes, and drizzle with melted jam. Top with remaining bread
   cubes.


3. Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients. Pour over bread mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover tightly, and chill 8 to 24 hours.


4. Preheat oven to 325. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes or until bread is golden brown and mixture is set. Serve with desired toppings.