7 cups cubed French bread
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup warm whipping cream (70° to 80°)
1/4 cup maple syrup
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Additional maple syrup

Place bread in a greased 2-qt. baking dish; press down gently. Sprinkle with raisins. In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in whipping cream and syrup; mix well. Whisk together the eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt; add to cream cheese mixture.
Pour evenly over the bread; lightly press bread into egg mixture with a spatula. Cover; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 375° for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until center is set and the top is golden brown. Serve with syrup. Yield: 6 servings.