French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound loaf Italian Bread
• 8 ounces low fat Cream cheese
• 1/2 cup Sugar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla essence (flavoring)
• 1/2 cup chopped Pecans, optional
• 4 Eggs
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Butter, melted

Preparation:

1. Cut bread into cubes, place half in greased 9x13" pan.

2. Microwave the cream cheese to melt, stirring midway. Once melted, add half the sugar. Pour this mix over the bread cubes (will not completely cover).

3. Sprinkle nuts over cream cheese layer. Top with remaining bread cubes.

4. In a bowl, beat the remaining sugar, eggs, milk, cinnamon and melted butter together. Pour over bread cubes.

5. Freeze at this point or let sit overnight in fridge.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Serve with warm syrup or fruit toppings.

Cook's Notes:

This is a great recipe that can be prepped ahead of time.

The original recipe can be found on Dairy Council of California