French Toast Strata



French Toast Strata 

This is an AMAZING recipe!  It is perfect for a brunch.  It really could pass for a dessert.

12 slices of white bread ( I use Texas bread,it's about 2" thick) 1   8oz cream cheese 6   eggs 1 1/2  C egg beaters (in the dairy section in a carton) 2  C milk 1/3  C maple syrup 1 C mixed berries, frozen or fresh Cut bread in to 1 inch cubes.  Place half of bread in a greased 9x13 pan.  Cut cream cheese into small pieces and place all over the bread.  sprinkle with the berries.  Then add the rest of the bread.  Beat eggs, egg beaters, milk and syrup.  Pour over bread.  Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight.  Take out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking.  Bake covered at 350 for 40 minutes, then uncovered for 25.  Serve with fruit sauce, caramel syrup and fresh whipping cream. Fruit sauce: 1 C fresh or frozen berries 1 T butter 1 C sugar 1 C water 2 T cornstarch Bring the sugar, water, and cornstarch to a boil then and the rest and cook over med/low heat for 8 minutes. Caramel Syrup: 1 heaping C sugar 1 C buttermilk 1 cube of butter 1/2 tsp baking soda Boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and add 1 tsp of vanilla