Almond French Toast Hearts

----ALMOND BUTTER----
1 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoon sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract

Cut a heart shape from each bread slice, using a 3 1/2" heart shaped cookie cutter. Reserve bread trimmings for other uses.

Combine milk, eggs and almond extract in a shallow dish; stir well. Dip 3 heart shaped bread slices into egg mixture, turning to coat both sides.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet or on a hot griddle; arrange the 3 slices of bread in the skillet, and cook over medium heat 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Transfer to a serving plate, and keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining bread slices, egg mixture and butter. Sprinkle French toast with powdered sugar.

Spoon Almond Butter into a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip and pipe butter onto center of each heart, if desired. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

For Almond Butter: Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl; beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Chill until slightly firm but still soft enough to pipe