Stuffed French Toast

Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Stir together cream cheese, sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Slice ends off loaf of bread. Cut loaf into six 1 1/2- to 2-inch thick slices. Lay slices of bread, flat side down, on work surface. Slice pocket into side of each slice, without tearing through other sides, bottom or top of bread.

Spread scant 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese mixture into each bread pocket. Gently fill each pocket with 2 slices bacon (or crumble and divide evenly).

Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in a large bowl. Dip stuffed slices into egg mixture, until both sides are moistened; do not let the bread slices soak.

Melt butter in large skillet or on griddle. Add bread slices; cook over medium to medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side or until browned. Keep slices warm on sheet pan in 200 degrees F oven, until all slices are done. Serve with confectioners sugar and maple syrup, if desired.