Ingredients

4 cups cubed French bread (about eight 1/2-in. slices)2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar10 slices French bread (1 inch thick)8 large eggs2 cups half-and-half cream1 cup whole milk1/3 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractAdditional confectioners’ sugar1 cup sliced almonds, toastedAdditional fresh blueberries, optional

Preparation

In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer bread cubes and blueberries. In a small bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth; drop by tablespoonfuls over blueberries. Top with bread slices. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, granulated sugar and vanilla; pour over bread. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°. Remove French toast from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, covered, 30 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes longer or until puffed and golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar; sprinkle with almonds. If desired, serve with additional blueberries.