One More Fabulous Holiday Breakfast

Make-Ahead French Toast with Strawberry Sauce

Makes 10 servings.

1 (16 oz.) loaf Challah Bread, cubed
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cut into pieces
6 large eggs
4 c. half-and-half
1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted
1/4 c. maple syrup
2 c. fresh strawberries, sliced (I usually use frozen)
1 (10 oz.) jar strawberry preserves

Arrange half of Challah bread in a lightly greased 13 x 9" pan. Sprinkle with cheese pieces, and top with remaining bread.
Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients; pour over bread mixture, pressing bread cubes to absorb egg mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 more minutes.
Heat strawberries and preserves in a saucepan over low heat, and serve over French toast.

*You can substitute French bread, if necessary.