Berry-Stuffed French Toast

**I am writing this recipe using strawberries,but you can use raspberry or blueberries and the corresponding jams for this recipe instead

Syrup:
2 cups unsweetened strawberries
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 Tbls butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
French Toast:
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese-softened
1/2 cup sour cream
18 slices sourdough bread
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
1 tsp vanilla
6 eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon
powdered sugar (opt)

Syrup: Combine berries, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5-7 min or until syrup is desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla; set aside. French Toast: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream. Spread about 3 Tbls on each slice of bread. Combine preserves and vanilla; soread over cream cheese mixture on nine slices. Top with reamining bread, cream cheese side down to make a sandwhich. In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs, cream, and cinnamon. Dip both sides of bread into the egg mixture and cook on a hot greased griddle for 3-4 min. or until golden brown. Cut in half diagonally. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve with warm berry syrup.