A mixture of jam and cream cheese produces a pleasantly creamy and not-too-sweet filling. Feel free to swap other flavors of jam for the apricot used here, or fresh berries for the tropical fruit salad.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　8 slices (1 inch thick) Italian bread

　　3 tablespoons apricot jam

　　2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

　　2 large eggs

　　1/2 cup milk

　　1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　Pure maple syrup, for serving (optional)

　　Cooked bacon, for serving (optional)

　　Tropical Fruit Salad, for serving (optional; recipe below)

　　

Step 1

Using a paring knife, cut a horizontal slit in each bread slice to form a pocket. Stir together jam and cream cheese. Spoon 1 tablespoon mixture into each pocket.

　　

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon until combined. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Working in batches of two, lay bread slices in egg mixture, letting them soak 5 seconds on each side.

　　

Step 3

Lift slices, letting excess drip back into bowl, and place in skillet; cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat, adding remaining tablespoon butter to skillet. Serve immediately with syrup, bacon, and fruit salad, as desired.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.