French Toast Strata

8 cups day-old French or Italian bread cut into 3/4 in. cubes
6 oz cream chese cut into 1/4 in. pieces
6 eggs
3 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup maple syrup
2Tbl. sugar mixed with 1 tsp. cinnamon

Spray 11x7 inch dish with non-stck spray.  Place bread cubes evenly in bottom.  Sprinkle with cream cheese pieces (at this point you could also add 2/3 cup golden raisins or other dried fruit).

Beat eggs in med bowl (medium with mixer or just whisk) til blended.  Add milk, then syrup and vanilla.  Pour egg mixture evenly over bread.  Cover. Refrigerate at least 4 hrs. or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350.  Sprinkle sugar/cinnamon mix evenly over strata.

Bake uncovered 45-60 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and knife inserted in middle comes out clean.

Bon appetit!