Instructions: Make Black Forest sauce first: in a saucepan, heat cherries & juice.

Stir in sugar & vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix water & cornstarch.

Stir into cherries, simmering until thickened, stirring frequently.

Stir in nutmeg. Keep warm. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in shaved chocolate or miniature chips. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla & optional salt.

Slice French bread into 12 slices, each 1 to 11/2 inches thick. Then slice a pocket into the middle of each slice. Fill each pocket with 1/2 to 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture. Dip bread slices into egg batter on both sides. Place on a hot griddle and brown. Turn and brown the other side (keep slices in a warm oven, if necessary, while finishing all 12 slices).

To serve, place two slices on each plate and top with about 3/4 cup warm Black Forest sauce. Enjoy! Makes 6 servings.

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