Cherry Almond Cream Cheese French Toast

Ingredients:
1 loaf of white bread
4 cups of frozen Door County cherries (rinsed
and drained)
16 oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
1 c. sugar - divided
2 tsp. almond extract - divided
1/2 loaf of French bread
7 eggs
1-1/2 cups of milk
1-1/2 cups of half & half
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup sliced almonds

Directions:
Cut the loaf of white bread into cubes. Place the cubes into a greased 9 x 13" pan. Spread the cherries over the bread.

Microwave the cream cheese to soften it. Add 1/2 c. sugar, 1 tsp almond extract and sour cream to cream cheese. Spread over cherries.

Cut ten 1" slices of French bread, place the slices over the cherries. Beat the eggs well, add the remaining 1/2 c. sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, the milk, and cream, and beat again. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the French bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake covered with tinfoil for 40-50 minutes, then uncovered for last 10 minutes to brown slightly. Let set for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle top with powdered sugar and sliced almonds before slicing into. Makes 10 servings. Enjoy!