Cherry Almond Cream Cheese French Toast

Ingredients:

1 loaf white bread
4 C. frozen Door County cherries rinsed and drained*
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 C. sugar, divided
2 tsp. almond extract, divided
1/2 loaf French bread
7 eggs
1 1/2 C. milk
1 1/2 C. half & half
1/4 C. powdered sugar
1 C. sliced almonds

Directions:

Cut loaf of white bread into cubes and place in greased 9x13 pan
Spread the cherries over the bread
In separate bowl, microwave cream cheese to soften it
Add 1/2 C. sugar and 1 tsp. almond extract to softened cream cheese
Spread cream cheese mixture over cherries
Cut ten 1" slices of French bread
Place the slices over the cherries and cream cheese
In separate bowl, beat eggs well
Add 1/2 C. sugar, 1 tsp. almond extract, milk, cream and beat again
Pour egg and milk mixture over the French bread slices
Cover and chill overnight
Bake covered at 350 for 40-50 mins., then uncovered for 10 mins.
Let set for about ten minutes more
Sprinkle top with powdered sugar and sliced almonds before slicing
Makes 10 servings!
*Substitute cherry pie filling if cherries not available