Fruity French Toast Casserole

I got a version of this recipe from KSTU-TV, but adapted it for my own family. I cook a hot breakfast at least 4 days a week, so I'm always looking for new things so it's not always the standard "bacon & eggs" or "pancakes". Also, anywhere you can sneak some fruit in is always a bonus. This one is good and just fun for something a little different from the standard breakfast foods. This will serve about 4-6 people.

Casserole

6 Slices Bread, cubed

4 oz (1/2 pkg.) Cream Cheese, cut into small cubes

1 Cup Fresh Fruit (blueberries, strawberries, peaches or whatever you like)

5 Eggs

¼ Cup Milk

¼ Cup Maple Syrup

1) Place ½ of cubed bread in a well greased baking dish (8X8’ish or one like I told you about in this post). Spread around evenly.

2) Sprinkle cubed cream cheese evenly in dish over the bread.

3) Arrange fruit on top of bread & cream cheese.

4) Top with remaining bread cubes.

5) Beat together eggs, milk and syrup and pour over bread mixture so everything is moistened.

6) Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least a couple hours.

7) In the morning, bake at 350 covered with foil for 30 min.

8) Remove foil and bake another 30 min. until lightly browned.

Fruit Topping

½ Cup Water

½ Cup Sugar

1 Tbsp. Cornstarch

1 Tbsp. Butter

1 Cup Fresh Fruit (same as in the bread mixture, or not I guess)

1) While the casserole is baking, combine water, sugar and cornstarch in pan and stir together to dissolve sugar.

2) Heat until thickened and add the fruit. Continue cooking for a couple of minutes.

3) Remove from heat and add butter. Stir together until butter is melted.

Cut french toast into servings and top with fruit mixture.