Ham and Cheese Stuffed French Toast With Warm Apricot Syrup

• 12 slices firm coarse textured white bread (1 inch thick)
• 3 cups extra-rich milk
• 3 eggs, beaten to blend
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons brandy or 3 tablespoons Bourbon
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 14 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese, preferably white (1 ounce each)
• 6 slices baked ham (2 ounces each)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (or more)
• powdered sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves, larger pieces of fruit cut up
• 3 tablespoons brandy or 3 tablespoons Bourbon
• 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 1 12 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 14 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1. For French Toast.
2. Dry bread slices at room temperature on wire rack for 1 hour.
3. Whisk next 9 ingredients (Milk through nutmeg) in large bowl until smooth.
4. Pour batter into 2 large rectangular baking dishes.
5. Arrange 6 bread slices in each dish; let stand until batter is absorbed, at least 1 hour; do not turn bread over.
6. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead, covered and refrigerated.
7. ).
8. Cut cheese and ham slices to fit bread.
9. Set 6 cheese slices on 6 bread slices;top with ham; cover with remaining cheese.
10. Using spatula, place remaining bread dry side down atop ham.
11. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons oil in each of 2 heavy skillets over medium heat.
12. Place 3 sandwiches in each skillet and fry until outsides are crisp and golden brown and cheese has melted, adding more oil if necessary, about 5 minutes per side.
13. Transfer to platter and dust with powdered sugar.
14. Serve immediately with warm syrup.
15. For Warm Apricot Syrup:.
16. Cook all ingredients in heavy small saucepan over low heat until preserves are melted and flavors blended, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.

bread, extrarich milk, eggs, sugar, brandy, fresh ground pepper, salt, ground nutmeg, cheddar cheese, ham, unsalted butter, vegetable oil, powdered sugar, apricot preserves, brandy, sugar, lemon juice, water, lemon peel

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/ham-and-cheese-stuffed-french-toast-with-warm-apricot-syrup-337337 (may not work)