Chocolate French Toast

Chocolate French Toast

Serves 4-6                                                                                                               
10 slices Panera Bread Country Miche 

1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup hot water
5 large eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk 
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
12 oz. semisweet chocolate chopped, or semisweet chocolate chips
 Prepared butter flavored pancake syrup

In a small bowl, dissolve cocoa powder in hot water. Whisk until blended; set aside.

In shallow pan (such as a 1 1/4 quart baking dish) whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt.  Add chocolate cocoa mixture; whisk again until incorporated.

Melt a small piece of butter in a 12" non-stick pan over medium high heat.  Dip 2 bread pieces in egg mixture (turning if necessary) and place in pan.  Turn pieces after about 2-3 minutes and cover one piece with chopped chocolate or chips.  Place the other piece of bread on top of the chocolate covered piece, creating a sandwich.  Heat until chocolate has melted.  Repeat process with remaining pieces.  Serve with butter flavored pancake syrup.