French Toast Souffle

Whether you're looking for a brunch idea for Christmas morning or just any old regular day; this recipe is a must try! Let's face it who doesn't love french toast?!? I know I do! It is normally served to me in bed on my birthday each year. I'm kind of spoiled like that. The difference with this recipe is that you can prep it the night before and pop in the oven in the morning. Easy peasy!

Ingredients
1 bakery loaf of butter crusty bread-10 cups cut into 1-inch cubes
8 (ounces) low-fat cream cheese, softened
8 large eggs
1-1/2 cups milk
2/3 cup half and half cream
1-1/4 cups maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions
Place bread cubes in a lightly greased 9x13 baking pan.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in milk, half and half, 1/2 cup of the maple syrup, and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Pour cream cream cheese mixture over the bread; cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Remove souffle from refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake uncovered, for 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Pour remaining 3/4 cup maple syrup over souffle, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm.

Source: Tomatoes on the Vine

Enjoy!