French Toast Casserole

INGREDIENTS: 1 loaf (10 ounces) french bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (10 cups) 8 eggs 3 cups milk 4 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon salt, optional For the Topping: 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, cubed 3 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon maple syrup, optional

Directions:

Place bread cubes in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt if desired. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Dot with butter. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with syrup if desired.