BAKED FRENCH TOAST WITH CHERRY TOPPING

Baked French Toast with Cherry Topping

Serves 6 to 8.

1 1/2 cups milk
6 eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1/3 teaspoon salt
8 slices French bread (4 x 3 x 1-inch)
 4 cups sweet cherries, halved and pitted
1/2 cup orange juice
Vanilla yogurt

Combine milk, eggs, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons sugar, orange peel and salt; mix well. Pour half of mixture into each of two 9-inch-square baking dishes. Dip both sides of each slice of bread in milk mixture; arrange in the same baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Marinate cherries in orange juice and remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar overnight.

Carefully transfer slices to a nonstick, buttered baking sheet using a large spatula; allow excess liquid to drip into pan used for soaking. Bake in preheated 400 degree F oven for 15 to 18 minutes; turn slices over halfway through baking time. Top each slice with 1/2 cup cherries and a dollop of vanilla yogurt. Serve immediately.

Nutrition information per serving: Calories274; Carbohydrates45 g; Protein10 g; Fat6 g; including sat. fat2 g; Cholesterol163 mg; Sodium320 mg; Calcium140 mg; Dietary fiber2 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 fruit, 2 bread/starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat