Strawberry French Toast

6 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 loaf French bread cut into 1-inch slices
10 eggs
2/3 cup half-and-half
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Strawberry Sauce:
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. water

Beat together cream cheese, strawberries and powdered sugar. Spread 2 tablespoons on one side of half of the bread slices and top with remaining bread. Place sandwiches in 13x9-inch baking dish.

Beat together eggs, cream and vanilla, then pour over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Transfer sandwiches to a greased 15x10-inch baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, turn and bake 10 more minutes or until golden brown.

For the sauce, cook the strawberries, sugar and water on medium for 5 minutes. Serve French toast with strawberry sauce and maple syrup.

Makes 10 servings