French Toast Casserole

I haven't tried this one yet, but it sounds so yummy for a brunch.

-1 large loaf of French bread (not sliced)
-1, 8 ounce pkg. cream cheese
-12 eggs
-1 3/4 cups half and half
-1/4 cup maple syrup
-6 T melted butter
-Cinnamon
-Powdered sugar

Cut bread into cubes. Layer half of the cubes in a 9"X13" pan. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and scatter over bread. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover with remaining bread. Wisk together eggs, half and half, syrup, and butter and pour evenly over bread. Press down to soak up egg mixture. Sprinkle with more cinnamon. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with hot strawberry sauce.

Strawberry Sauce
-2 cups strawberry preserves
-2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
-Heat in saucepan (do not boil)

From the kitchen of Sabrina Chango