Apricot French Toast - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 1/2 lbs loaf French bread
4 eggs
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
1/2 cup orange juice

Preparation

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla until fluffy.
Stir in nuts; set aside.
Cut bread into 1 1/2 inch slices; cut a pocket in the top of each slice.
Fill each slice with about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, cream, nutmeg and remaining vanilla.
Dip both sides of bread into egg mixture, being careful not to squeeze out the filling.
Cook on a light greased griddle until golden brown on both sides.
Place on an ungreased baking sheet; bake at 300 for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine preserves and orange juice in a small saucepan; heat through.
Drizzle over hot french toast.