Challah French Toast Breakfast Casserole

I like to cook.  I like to share recipes.  So I think I will occasionally post some fun stuff from my kitchen in my blog, just to share with any kindred souls out there.

I am baking this recipe as I am writing the blog! :-)

Challah French toast breakfast casserole

Ingredients ---

One loaf of challah bread (you can use any rich bread, like brioche), cut into rough cubes

1/2 cups dates, pitted and chopped (use raisins if you wish)

1/4 cup slivered almonds

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

3 cups of milk

4 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

dash salt

turbinado sugar

Method ---

Preheat you oven to 350F and spray a 9" x 13" casserole dish with oil

Toss the bread, dried fruit, almonds, and cream cheese together in a mixing bowl, remove tp the oiled casserole dish

MIx the eggs, milk, sugar, salt, and extracts together and pour over the bread mixture.  Allow to soak for several minutes. Sprinkle the top with some turbinado sugar crystals.

Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes.  The egg custard mixture will have set by then.  You don't want this runny.

When finished baked, cut into serving portions, and dot while hot with butter.  Serve with maple syrup.