1 lb. day old French bread, cut in cubes

8 oz. cream cheese, cut in cubes

8 eggs

1/4 cup maple syrup (or fruit syrup)

6 T. melted butter

2 1/2 Cups milk (or buttermilk or cream)

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Layer half the bread, then cream cheese, then remaining bread in 9″ x 13″ greased  baking dish. Combine eggs, syrup, milk & melted butter (must be completely melted or it won’t mix well with cold, raw eggs), cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend well. Pour over bread and cheese layers. Flatten with spatula to moisten bread.  Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.  Bake at 325 uncovered for 35-40 minutes.