Berry-Stuffed French Toast

This is a perfect dish for brunch entertaining. Keep the finished toasts warm, piled up on a baking sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Berry Filling:
500g (1lb 2oz) mixed red or ‘fruits of the forest’ style berries (fresh or frozen)
3 tbsp sugar substitute
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tbsp cornstarch

French Toast:
3 eggs
4 egg whites
500ml (18 fl.oz) skimmed milk
1 tbsp sugar substitute
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp (approx) vegetable oil
12 slices wholemeal bread

1. To make the berry filling: In saucepan over medium heat, combine berries, sugar substitute, and lemon zest; cook for about 5 minutes or until sugar substitute is dissolved and berries have released some of their juice. In small bowl, blend cornstarch with 1 tbsp of juice from berries; stir into berry mixture. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. To make the French toast: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, sugar substitute, vanilla and cinnamon.
3. Brush 1 tsp oil onto non-stick griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Dip bread 1 slice at a time, into egg mixture, pressing down and letting soak for 10 seconds; turn and press again for 10 seconds. Lift out, letting excess mixture drip back into bowl. Fry soaked bread slices, 2 at a time (4 at a time if using griddle), for 3 minutes; turn 1 piece over and evenly spread golden brown side with 2 heaping tbsp of the berry filling. Flip second slice, cooked side down, onto filling to form sandwich; press firmly with back of spatula. Continue frying for 3 minutes; turn sandwich over and fry for 3 minutes longer or until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with remaining bread slices, brushing griddle with more oil as needed.
4. Put any leftover berry filling in bowl and serve alongside toasts.