Strawberry Chocolate French Toast

Ingredients
1 quart strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
12 (½-inch-thick) slices Challah bread
¼ cup butter
Garnish: confectioners’ sugar

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine strawberries and 2 tablespoons sugar; cover, and chill for 15 minutes.

In a shallow dish, whisk together milk, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, and eggs; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of 6 bread slices. Cover with remaining bread slices to make a sandwich. Dip sandwiches, one at a time, in milk mixture.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sandwiches, in batches if necessary, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. Serve topped with sugared strawberries. Garnish with confectioners’ sugar, if desired