Sweet Breakfast Strata

Makes 6 - 8 servings

This recipe is adapted from the Joy of Cooking. It is an easy substitute for french toast if you are expecting a crowd for breakfast.

ingredients

1 loaf raisin bread, crusts removed (dice the crusts for the top layer of the strata)
5 oz cream cheese
butter (optional)
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 c milk
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c real maple syrup
2 tbsp cinnamon sugar for topping

1
Butter or nonstick spray a 2 1/2 quart casserole (or a 9x13 in glass baking pan).
2
Spread slices of raisin bread with cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and butter. Layer prepared bread in baking dish. Sprinkle top with diced crusts.
3
Combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon and maple syrup. Pour slowly over the bread. Cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.
4
Preheat oven to 350°F.
5
Remove foil or wrap and sprinkle top with cinnamon sugar. Bake strata until the top is nicely browned and bubbly, approximately 1 h.