Whipped Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Raspberries.

Step 1

Add the ¾ cup sugar, lemon zest and lavender to a high-powered blender or food process and pulse for about 30 seconds or until the sugar is very fine. Stir in the remaining sugar. The sugar will keep for a few months in a sealed container at room temperature. Add the raspberries to a bowl and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the lemon sugar over the berries.

Step 2

Add the juice of half a lemon and toss, breaking up some of the raspberries to help release their juices. Allow the berries to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step 3

To make the whipped cream cheese, add the cream cheese and heavy cream to a mixing bowl.

Step 4

Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the honey and vanilla until just combined.

Step 5

Using a paring knife, carefully make an inch (or so) incision in the tops of each slice of bread to create a pocket. Use you finger to enlarge the inside of the pocket and create room for the cream cheese.

Step 6

Stuff the insides of the pockets with the whipped cream cheese; do your best to carefully stuff the cream cheese inside. Alternately you can slice the bread in 1/2 inch slices and smear the cream cheese on, as if making a sandwich. I prefer to do it the way I have directed above, as it keeps all the cream cheese inside the bread!

Step 7

In a shallow, medium size bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until combined. Dip the stuffed bread into the egg mixture, allowing each side to sit for 1-2 minutes in the egg mixture.

Step 8

When ready to cook the French toast. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat generously with butter. When the skillet is hot, cook the French toast in batches (do not overcrowd) until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and serve immediately.

Step 9

Sprinkle with lemon sugar and raspberries. DEVOUR! :)