COOKING WITH CLORIS -- RED, WHITE AND BLUEBERRY LIBERTY TOAST

Okay, this is really Cloris’s yummy French toast recipe, but since 4 ^th of July is right around the corner, we’re giving it a more patriotic name. Prepare this the night before. Bake the next morning and serve for brunch after the parade. -- AP

RED, WHITE AND BLUEBERRY LIBERTY TOAST

2 cups blueberries
2 cups sliced strawberries
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 1” slices
6 lg. eggs
1-1/2 cups milk
1 T. vanilla extract
powdered sugar

Combine brown sugar and butter in a 13” x 9” baking dish. Add blueberries and strawberries, tossing to coat well, then spread evenly on bottom of dish. Arrange slices of bread over fruit. Beat eggs, milk, and vanilla together. Pour evenly over bread, soaking bread completely. Cover with foil and place in refrigerator overnight. Bake covered in a preheated 375 degree oven 40 minutes. Remove foil. Bake an additional 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle powdered sugar over each piece before serving.


How do you celebrate 4th of July? Post a comment this week to be entered in the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP