When this dish hits the buffet table, it's gone in a matter of seconds! A guaranteed hit!
1 loaf white bread - cubed
8 oz cream cheese - cubed
1 dozen large eggs
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 cups half and half
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cinnamon
speck of salt
butter a 9 x 13 baking pan
place 1/2 of bread cubes in pan
evenly space cream cheese on top of bread
add remaining bread cubes
mix together remaining ingredients and pour evenly over the bread. cover and put in the fridge over night.
Praline topping:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cinnamon
using a pastry cutter, or your fingers, mix all ingredients, spread it evenly over the bread. Bake for 40-45 minutes, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven until puffed and lightly golden.
Serve with warm maple syrup. Also good with a dash of fresh whipped cream, or honey
You can also make a potato casserole ahead of time...
8 large Idaho baking potatoes - peeled, cut into 1/4 inch dice (bite size) - boil until half cooked. Drain and set aside.
Make a double batch of a standard white sauce with cheddar cheese.
1/2 pound of cooked ham, cut into small dice. (I always as the deli to slice a honey ham 1/4 thick)
1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
1 large onion - sliced thin
1 tablespoon butter
saute onion and mushrooms
Assembly
Grease 9 x 13 baking dish with butter
place think layer of cheese sauce in bottom of pan
place 1/2 potatoes in bottom of pan
place 1/2 onion, mushrooms and ham on top of potatoes
few generous grinds of black pepper and salt
cover with 1/2 of remaining cheese sauce
repeat layers, ending with cheese sauce, sprinkle top with more shredded cheddar cheese
At this point you can cover and put in fridge over night, or put right into the oven. If you do put it in the fridge, take out and let stand at room temp for about an hour before baking.
Bake at 350 degrees 45 minutes to an hour..Cover with foil the first 30 minutes of baking..remove foil last 15-30 minutes.