Julie Smith's French Toast Strata

1 lb Loaf of French bread

8 oz Cream cheese, cubed

- (1 package) 8 Eggs

2 1/2 c Milk, light cream or

- half and half 6 tb Margarine or butter, melted

1/4 c Maple syrup

Cut French bread in cubes. Place half of bread cubes in bottom of a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle cubed cream cheese on bread. Add remaining bread cubes. In a large bowl, beat until well blended the eggs, milk, melted margarine or butter and maple syrup. Pour mixture over bread cubes and press down with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours. Remove wrap and bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with hot butter syrup. Serves 6 to 8. Preparation time: 15 minutes Baking time: 35 to 40 minutes