French toast with strawberries and bananas in Grand Marnier syrup

Ingredients:

Macerated strawberries

• 3 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

Grand Marnier syrup

• 1 cup Grand Marnier liqueur
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Grated zest and juice of 2 oranges

French toast with strawberries and bananas

• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup cream 10%
• 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3-4 freshly grated nutmeg
• 220 g whipped cream cheese
• 12 slices brioche
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam
• 1 cup chopped fresh banana
• 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh whipped cream, for serving
• Toasted sliced ​​almonds, for serving
• Powdered sugar, for serving

Preparation:

1. Macerated strawberries:
   
   In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir. Cook until the strawberries are soft (but not falling apart) and the liquid is syrupy, 7-8 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
2. Grand Marnier syrup:
   
   Combine Grand Marnier, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened. Set aside and let cool.
3. French toast with strawberry and banana filling:
   
   In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the cream cheese until softened, then spread it on 6 slices of bread. Top each slice with a layer of strawberries. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on the remaining 6 slices of bread, then top each slice with a layer of bananas. Sandwich a slice of strawberry bread with a slice of banana bread to make 6 sandwiches. Press the edges to seal.
4. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side, letting any excess drip off, and then place them in the skillet. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Slice in half diagonally and serve with macerated strawberries, whipped cream, toasted almonds, and powdered sugar. Drizzle with Grand Marnier syrup.