French Toast Splendor

1 loaf of French Bread (gently tear into pieces)
8 oz. Cream Cheese (cut into squares)

Place pieces of french bread in a greased casserole pan. Scatter the squares of cream cheese throught the pieces of bread.

Mix in a bowl:
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups of milk
6 TBL melted butter
1/2 cup of maple syrup

Blend and pour over the bread and cream cheese pieces. Gently squish the bread down until it has soaked up the egg mixture. Cover and let sit 2-4 hours. (Best if prepared the day/night before--it usually needs to cook bit longer too.)

Cook:
325 degrees for 35-40 min. uncovered. (check @ 35 minutes, bottom of the pan needs to be stiff and knife should come out clean.) Remove from oven and let sit for 20 minutes before serving.


Sauce:
1 cup apple juice
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 T. cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
2 T. butter

Cook over stove on medium heat until thick. Add in butter until mixed well and melted. May add more apple juice to dilute the sauce until your perfect consistency is reached.

Enjoy with sauce, or sauce + syrup.