just in case

In case you missed the awesomeness of Baked Raspberry French Toast that I enjoyed at a recent stay at Penelope's B& B in Maple Ridge (courtesy of my mom and with my sister).. I found the recipe. I wouldn't dare not make this, unless you're a vegan.

Makes: 2 servings
– 4 slices day-old Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries
– 2 oz. cream cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 Tbsp maple syrup
– 1/4 tsp poppy seeds

The night before: Grease two 8-ounce ramekins or large muffin tins. Line bottom half of tins with bread cubes. Cover with raspberries or blueberries and cream cheese cubes and top with remaining bread. Mix eggs, milk and syrup and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Pour mixture over bread, cover and let soak overnight in refrigerator.

In the morning: Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until puffy and golden. Remove French toast from ramekins and top with Berry Compote or Lemon Sauce (see recipes below).

Berry Compote

– zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1 Tbsp water
– 4 cups fresh or frozen berries
– 1 Tbsp maple syrup
– 1/8 tsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until berries begin to break down and sauce starts to thicken. Serve over French toast.

Lemon Sauce

– 1 egg
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 4 Tbsp lemon juice
– zest of 1 large lemon
– 1 Tbsp butter

Whisk together first four ingredients and cook over low heat, stirring constantly. After sauce begins to thicken, stir in butter just to combine. Serve warm over French toast as an alternative to the berry compote.