Maple, Cherry and Mascarpone French Toast

Ingredients:

• 400g stoned and drained cherries
• 2tbsp pure maple syrup (preferably amber syrup for its rich taste)
• 250g mascarpone
• 1/2 zest of grated orange
• 2tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 8 slices of fruit bread
• 4 eggs
• 160ml milk
• 20g unsalted butter
• 1tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for dusting

Method:

1. In a bowl place cherries and soak in maple syrup. If using fresh cherries, gently poach them in a small saucepan over a low heat.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mascarpone, orange zest and icing sugar.
3. Spread the mascarpone mixture on two sides of two slices of fruit bread.
4. Top with a spoonful of maple syrup, the cherries and place with remaining fruit bread to make a sandwich. Press slices together.
5. In a wide rimmed, shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk together and add cinnamon. Gently lift and place sandwich into the egg mix turning over to cover each side.
6. Melt butter in a frying pan, and when hot, lay down each sandwich and cook until light, golden brown and crispy. Make sure egg is cooked thoroughly on each side.
7. Serve onto a plate, sprinkle with extra ground cinnamon and icing sugar, cut in half and serve.