French Toast Casserole

This requires overnight in the refrigerator and 30 min in the morning on the counter before baking.

10 c (1 in. cubed) premium quality white bread, ~16 slices

Cooking spray

8 oz block 1/3 less fat cream cheese, room temp

8 lrg eggs, room temp

1 1/2 c low fat milk

2/3 c half and half

1/2 c maple syrup

1/2 t vanilla extract

2 T powdered sugar

3/4 c maple syrup

oven at 375F

Place bread cubes in 13x9 in baking pan coated with cooking spray.

Beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk, half and half, 1/2 c maple syrup, vanilla and mix until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture over the bread in the baking pan. Cover and refrigerate over night.

In the morning, remove souffle from frig and let sit on counter 30 min.

Bake at 375F 50 min or until set. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve warm with maple syrup and/or fruit and whipped cream (for added decadence!)

diana