French Toast Strata

French Toast Strata

French Toast:
1 lb french bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups half and half
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup

DIRECTIONS

1. Grease a 9x13x2 rectangular baking dish.
2. Place half the bread cubes in the dish.
3. Sprinkle with cream cheese cubes and then remaining bread cubes.
4. Combine eggs, cream, melted butter and syrup.
5. Mix well and pour over bread and cheese cubes.
6. Using a spatula, press layers down to moisten.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or overnight.
8. Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 35- 40 minutes at 350ºF, or until set and golden brown.
9. Let stand about 10 minutes before cutting.

Apple Cider Syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
4 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup apple juice
1 T Lemon juice
1 T butter

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Add juices. Cook over medium heat till thick. Then cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and add butter.