French Toast Strata

Ingredients:

• 4 c. (4 oz.) day-old French or Italian bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1/3 c. golden raisins
• 1 pkg. (3 oz) cream cheese, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 c. milk
• 1/2 c. maple-flavored pancake syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tbs. sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Spray 11x7 -inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place bread cubes in even layer in prepared dish
3. Sprinkle raisins and cream cheese evenly over bread.
4. Beat eggs in medium bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until blended.
5. Add milk, 1/2 c. pancake syrup and vanilla, mix well.
6. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread mixture.
7. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Preheat over to 350.
9. Combine sugar and cinnamon in small bowl.  Sprinkle evenly over strata.
10. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until puffed, golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean
11. Cut into squares and serve with addition pancake syrup if desired

Makes 6 servings