Makes 4 servings

Treat your family to a special weekend brunch or lunch. And be sure to serve the toast with pure maple syrup, which will take this treat a notch from maple-flavored pancake syrup. If you'd like, substitute croissants or challah for the cinnamon-raisin bread.

4 eggs
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon sugar
8 slices cinnamon-raisin bread
½ cup cream cheese spread
16 thin slices deli honey-baked ham
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Pure maple syrup as needed (see Tip)

Beat the eggs lightly in a 9-inch pie plate or flat-bottomed shallow bowl. Stir in the milk and sugar.

For each serving, spread one side of a bread slice with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese and top with 4 ham slices. (If the ham slices are large, tuck them to fit inside the bread.) Spread another slice with 1 tablespoon cream cheese, cover the sandwich spread-side down, and lightly press. Dip both sides of each sandwich into the egg mixture.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Slice diagonally and serve warm. Offer syrup for drizzling over the sandwiches.