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

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup, optional

Directions

1. Place bread cubes in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt if desired. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
2. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Dot with butter. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.
3. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with maple syrup if desired. Yield: 12 servings.

Nutrition Facts: One serving (prepared with egg substitute equivalent to 8 eggs, skim milk and reduced-fat margarine and without salt and syrup) equals 147 calories, 271 mg sodium, 2 mg cholesterol, 19 gm carbohydrate, 9 gm protein, 3 gm fat, 1 gm fiber.