CHEF'S CORNER!

Inn guests asked for my 'Baked Maple French Toast' recipe today. Great brunch item.. can prepare in advance and freeze! You will need a 9x13 pan. Preheat oven to 350. Yield: 8-10 servings Recipe: Ingredients: 1 lg. loaf cinnamon/raisin bread or 2 sm. loaves (sliced into 1" fingerlike pieces) ~ 6 oz. cream cheese ~ 1/3 cup maple syrup (divided in half) ~ 10 lg. eggs ~ 1/2 stick butter (softened) ~ 2-1/2 cups milk ~ teas. vanilla ~ 1/2 cup brown sugar ~ cinnamon ~ walnuts (optional) Method: combine butter, cream cheese and half of the maple syrup - heat in microwave until softened to a creamy mixture - about 30 seconds - mix well w/fork. Place sliced bread side by side in the pan until you've filled it. Spread cream cheese mixture across top of bread. Whisk eggs, milk & remaining syrup and pour over top. Using a fork or whatever, move the bread slightly to allow egg mixture to penetrate through. Sprinkle the brown sugar across the top of egg mixture. Gently pat down to make bread uniform within the pan and not sitting above the edge. Dust with a little cinnamon & nuts, if you like. Cover w/foil and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake for 40-45 minutes depending on your oven. Shouldn't be soupy. Cut into triangles and serve hot w/a light dusting of powdered sugar. fyi: freezes very well -
take right from freezer to preheated oven and bake uncovered about as long depending on your oven. Bon Appetit! p.s. I would love your comments.