Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast.

Some time ago I bumped into a website dedicated to breakfasts. I didn't give much thought about it because frankly, Mr Breakfast himself doesn't look all that much of a breakfast role model. Recently, I revisited the site because I was desperate for more breakfast recipes. I must admit that Mr Breakfast does have good stuffs. For instance the Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast. I can feel my saliva whirling as I read the recipe.
Before I give out the recipe, I'd like to, once again, stress the beauty of frozen berry: CHEAPer than fresh. If you are lucky to live in a place where fresh berries are aplenty throughout the year, I'm jealous. I've been having similar discussion with a few friends the last few days. We unanimously agreed how inexpensive the imported berries are. Then came my lecture on the wonderful locally (Thai) produced frozen berries. If you still haven't seen one, I just bought a packet of frozen raspberry and strawberry (see picture) from Gourmet Market at Paragon. Most of the times Tops at Central Chidlom has them (blueberry too), too, but not recently. They are probably trying to sell the imported ones which are currently on 1/2 price if you are their member.
I don't usually buy frozen strawberry. This is an exception because I wanted to make strawberry jam for this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast. It feels like such a waste to make jam out of fresh strawberry.

Homemade Strawberry Jam
Of course you use strawberry jam from the store. I just figured it's so easy to make, why not? The sourness of lemon juice neutralise the sweetness of both strawberry and sugar.




Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen strawberry, hulled and mashed slightly if you are using fresh.
4 Cups white sugar
1/4 Cup fresh lemon juice

In a saucepan, toss together strawberry, sugar and lemon juice over low heat until sugar is completely melted. Turn the heat to high and let it comes to a rolling boil. Stirring constantly. Remove from heat when the strawberry are melted and transferred to a sterilised jar**. Seal and invert the jar for 10 minutes before you transfer it to the refrigerator.



**Put jar and its cap into hot boiling water bath. Remove and let it stand with the top side down on a clean towel. Do not touch the inside of the jar or lid with your fingers.






Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

I must tell you how great this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is. You have to try this if you like strawberry AND French Toast. I'm so glad that I made the strawberry jam because it's THE bomb. It's not overly sweet and went extremely well with the french toast.

Ingredients:

(4 servings)

• 8 slices of French bread - cut diagonaly
• 1 cup fresh strawberries -- hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Strawberry syrup or jam for topping

In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

Take 1/2 of the halved bread slices and and spead the ricotta on one side. Top with remaining bread to create a collection of half-sandwhiches.

In a large shallow bowl, beat together eggs and milk.

Melt butter in a skillet or griddle set to medium heat.

Dip ricotta sandwiches in the egg mixture, coating both sides.

Cook until golden brown on each side. You can place completed French Toast slices on a serving plate in an oven set to 100 degrees -- to keep finished slices warm as you cook the others.

Serve with strawberry slices and syrup or jam. It works with the Cinnful Apple Fruit Salad, too.