Apple Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and the ginger until combined well. Set aside.

In a large bowl, toss together apples, granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over high heat. Add apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 8 min. Remove from heat.

In a 13-by-9-inch shallow dish, whisk together milk, eggs and remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon; set aside.

Spread a heaping 1/4 cup cream-cheese mixture onto each of 4 bread slices. Top each with 2 tbsp nuts and 6 to 8 apple slices. Cover with remaining 4 bread slices to make sandwiches.

Soak 2 sandwiches at a time in milk-egg mixture 5 min per side.

Add maple syrup to remaining apples in skillet and stir to combine.

Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter to pan. Add 2 sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown, 6 to 8 min. Repeat with remaining 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp butter and the sandwiches.

Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately topped with apples in syrup. Garnish with toasted nuts, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts Calories 690, Total Fat (g) 38, Saturated Fat (g) 15.5, Cholesterol (mg) 216, Sodium (mg) 345, Carbohydrate (g) 78, Fiber (g) 4, Protein (g) 13, Vitamin A (DV%) 0, Vitamin C (DV%) 0, Calcium (DV%) 0, Iron (DV%) 0, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet