Girl Scout Cookie French Toast!

It's the most wonderful time of the year: Girl Scout Cookie season!

You may notice that those smiling, uniform-clad little ladies have taken up their posts in front of every grocery store, and you may have even been successful at politely declining when asked, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"

But all bets are off today because I've got a recipe that's even more tempting than a sleeve of frozen Thin Mints.

Cookie-Crusted Strawberry Stuffed French Toast!

My friends at the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida reached out to me to see if I'd help them spread the word about supporting the mission behind the Cookie Program -- teaching young girls about goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethic. And you thought it was all about the irresistible sweet snacks!

I love a program that supports the empowerment of young women {and we all know I love a cookie!}, so I jumped at the opportunity and got to work playing with creative cookie-infused recipes.

Though my initial reaction was to reach right for the Samoas and Thin Mints {I'm not even going to pretend that I don't have favorites}, I wanted to challenge myself with a flavor that may not always get a fair shot at the spotlight. So, I opened up a box of Savannah Smiles and headed to the kitchen.

Naturally, I ended up with a recipe that promotes cookies for breakfast. Sigh.

This Cookie-Crusted Strawberry Stuffed French Toast doesn't have to be served up in the morning if you'd rather not kick off the day with a sugar rush . In fact, it would make a great dessert if you're looking to impress with something original and, of course, delicious!

Filled with a creamy and flavorful cheesecake-like filling that has fresh strawberries, lemon zest and crumbled lemony cookie bits folded into the mix, this French toast is like no other. The crunchy outside of the slices are coated in cookie crumbs and cooked to golden perfection.

You know who else has been experimenting with Girl Scout cookie recipes? Our local Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria! They're offering Girl Scout cookie inspired cheesecakes {Thin Mint and Samoa!} throughout the month of February. Best of all, the money from cheesecake sales will be donated to the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida!

I have even better news for you: The Girl Scouts are extending their cookie sale until February 22, so that gives you some extra time to run out and grab a truckload few boxes. You'll want as many as you can get your hands on once you try out this recipe.

So, take advantage of the fact that today is Fat Tuesday and indulge a little for a good cause! ;)

Cookie-Crusted Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Makes 2 servings

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk of choice
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 Savannah Smiles cookies, pulverized {divided}
4 oz softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup finely diced strawberries
4 slices bread, preferably a thick, sturdy bread like challah

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter to melt.

2. Prepare your dipping station: In a small pan or dish, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract. On a plate or small pan, pour all but 2 tablespoons of pulverized cookie crumbs and pat into one layer. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of cookie crumbs. Gently fold in chopped strawberries.

4. Spread filling onto 2 slices of bread, dividing the mixture evenly. Top each piece with another piece of bread to make a "sandwich".

5. Quickly dunk the each sandwich into the egg mixture {make sure to flip so both sides are coated, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Immediately place onto cookie crumbs and dredge each side, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs to the outside of the bread. Repeat with second sandwich.

6. Place each piece in skillet. Cook about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden and have a bit of a crunch.*

Serve warm with powdered sugar and extra strawberries if desired.

*If you are making several servings, preheat the oven to 300 degrees and place cooked French toast onto a baking sheet to keep warm while the other pieces cook. This also helps to achieve a crisp exterior!