French Toast Strata
Heather Shelley- Senior
1 loaf French Bread – cut into 1 inch squares, which is about 12 cups
1 package cream cheese cut into small cubes
8 large eggs
2 ½ cups of milk
6 Tablespoons butter, melted, plus enough butter to prepare the baking pan
¼ cup of maple syrup
1 small jar of your favorite jam
Lightly butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Scatter half of the bread in the bottom of the baking dish and arrange the cubes of cream cheese on top. Top with the remaining bread.
In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, 6 Tablespoons butter, and ¼ cups of maple syrup. Process until well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese. Using a spatula, lightly press the bread down to moisten it. Drop the teaspoons of jam over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350. Bake until the center is set and edges are golden brown. 35-40 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes so it can set up before serving. Serve with your favorite syrup.
Coconut Syrup
½ C. Buttermilk
1 stick of butter
1 c. sugar
Combine above ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add:
½ t. baking soda
½ t. coconut flavoring